Assess immediate danger first
Call emergency services if there is imminent risk of harm to self or others
Do not leave the person alone if they are actively suicidal, violent, or severely disoriented
Remove access to weapons, sharp objects, medications, ropes, and other means of self-harm if safe to do so
Contact a mobile crisis team or local psychiatric crisis line
Reach out to the person’s primary care doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, or case manager
Ask family members or close friends to help coordinate support
Use calm, nonjudgmental language and avoid arguing about beliefs or symptoms
Focus on specific behaviors and safety concerns rather than labels
Offer concrete choices, such as calling together, going to urgent care, or visiting the ER
Encourage a voluntary evaluation before considering involuntary options
Document concerning behaviors, threats, missed sleep, substance use, or inability to care for self
Check local laws for involuntary evaluation or commitment criteria
Contact law enforcement only when there is immediate danger or no safer crisis option is available
If the person is unable to care for basic needs, seek emergency evaluation
If the person is intoxicated, medically unstable, or injured, seek emergency medical care
If the person is a minor, contact parents, guardians, school counselors, or pediatric providers
If the person is an adult and you are not family, still contact crisis services for guidance
Follow up repeatedly and keep communication open
Seek support for yourself from crisis lines, support groups, or a mental health professional