How do I know if my teen is having a crisis or a mental health emergency?
There are times when a parent needs help quickly – when children can’t calm down, are uncontrollable, or may be in sudden danger of hurting themselves or others.
A crisis situation exists any time that your teen is no longer safe to himself or others or when there is a need for immediate action or intervention. It is usually a time when all of your energies are being demanded in order to care of your child.
It is best to follow your instincts. Remember you are the expert when it comes to your child. If you feel your child is behaving much differently than normal or if the situation seems like it is getting out of control and you fear you may not be able to de-escalate it – then your child is most likely experiencing a crisis.
Once you decide that indeed your child may be having a crisis or mental health emergency you’ll want to consider the following questions:
Do you feel your child is in immediate danger to themselves or others?
Can you handle the situation yourself or do you need help?
If you need help, what type of help do you need and from who?
If the answer to question 1 is Yes, and your child’s life is at risk or someone else’s life is in danger, you need to get help right away!
If you feel your child or family is in imminent danger call 911 but keep in mind that once police enter your home they are in charge of the situation and control what happens next including where your child may be taken.
You can also call emergency crisis services at (413)-586-5555
https://www.csoinc.org/emergency-crisis-stabilization-services
When you call 911 or crisis services be sure to let them know that your child is having a mental health emergency as that may trigger them to send someone who is trained in supporting children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis.
You may also want to ask if they have a children’s crisis team as they will be trained to intervene in similar situations.
Emergency or Crisis Support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline DIAL: 988
You're not alone. Confidential help is available for free 24/7 .
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Wildflower alliance
a peer support line is answered by a trained peer worker who has their own lived experience (with a psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme or altered states, etc.) and who is there to talk and offer support. Call: 888.407.4515
http://www.wildfloweralliance.org
The Trevor Project: an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998. Focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth
(866)488-7386 The national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25
www.thetrevorproject.org
Children and Families child at risk hotline: 1-800-792-5200
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-child-abuse-or-neglect
Cognitive, Behavioral and Mental Health Treatment
Smith Academy High School Counseling Department (413)-247-5641
The School Counseling Department at Smith Academy consist of one School Counselor and one School Psychologist.
http://www.hatfieldps.net/smith-academy/school-counseling
Servicenet Adolescent Counseling Services (413)-585-1300
Help children and adolescents cope with anxiety, depression, school problems, family conflict, the effects of abuse and trauma, and substance use issues. Professional therapists and psychiatrists are skilled in assessing the needs of children and adolescents, and in providing evidence-based individual and family therapy.
https://www.servicenet.org/services/child-and-adolescent-services/counseling-and-psychiatry
Clinical and Support Options (CSO) (413)582-0471
A nonprofit behavioral and mental health agency providing therapy, counseling, and support in Western Mass.
https://www.csoinc.org/
Servicenet Addiction Services (413)585-1300
Specialize in treating adolescents who are challenged by a wide range of substance use and addiction issues.
https://www.servicenet.org/services/addiction-services/
Bullying Prevention (413)586-9225.
Community Outreach and Education Unit
https://northwesternda.org
River Valley Counseling Center
Central Intake Department: To Schedule an Appointment or for General Information (413) 540-1234
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Health and Trauma Support
RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (800)656-4673
Whether you're looking for support, information, advice, or a referral, our trained support specialists are ready to help
www.rainn.org
Tapestry Health (413)586-0310
Community based health care, support services, education, high quality, compassionate, and confidential. No judgement.
https://www.tapestryhealth.org/
THe Garden (413)-582-5312
Providing services and a supportive community for grieving children and teens .