Crisis Resources
National Crisis Lines (24/7)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
Available 24/7 nationwide
What they help with: Suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use crises, mental health emergencies, support for loss survivors
What to expect: You'll speak with a trained crisis counselor who will listen without judgment, provide emotional support, help you identify coping strategies, and connect you to local resources if needed. All conversations are confidential (unless you're in immediate danger). Services available in English and Spanish, with interpretation for 150+ languages.
Online chat: Available at 988lifeline.org/chat
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 support for people in crisis via text message. If you're more comfortable texting than talking, this service connects you with a trained crisis counselor within minutes. All texts are confidential. Crisis counselors help with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, abuse, relationship issues, and any mental health crisis.
Average response time: Under 5 minutes
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, Press 1 | Text 838255
Specialized support for veterans, service members, National Guard, Reservists, and their families. Responders are trained in military culture and veteran-specific mental health issues including PTSD, combat trauma, and military sexual trauma. Connects veterans to VA resources and suicide prevention coordinators.
Online chat: veteranscrisisline.net/chat
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 24/7 treatment referral and information service. Provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations. Counselors can help you find mental health and substance use treatment options in your area. Available in English and Spanish.
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990
Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Provides immediate crisis support to help you cope with anxiety, stress, or other mental health reactions following hurricanes, floods, or other traumatic events. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
South Florida Mobile Crisis Teams
Mobile crisis teams provide on-site assessment and intervention anywhere in the community. These teams come to you and provide face-to-face crisis support:
Palm Beach County Mobile Crisis Team
24/7 Crisis Line: (561) 383-8111
Service area: All of Palm Beach County including Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington, and surrounding communities
What they provide: In-person crisis assessment at your location (home, school, workplace), mental health screening, crisis counseling, safety planning, medication review, referrals to treatment, and determination of need for hospitalization. Team includes licensed mental health professionals. Services are free.
Broward County Crisis Line
24/7 Crisis Line: (954) 463-0911
Service area: Broward County including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation
What they provide: Phone crisis counseling, mobile crisis response for on-site assessment, connections to crisis stabilization units, and referrals to ongoing mental health services. Serves adults, children, and families experiencing mental health emergencies.
Miami-Dade County Crisis Hotline
24/7 Crisis Line: (305) 358-4357
Service area: Miami-Dade County including Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Kendall, Homestead
What they provide: 24-hour crisis intervention services, suicide prevention, crisis stabilization, and mental health resource referrals. Bilingual staff available for English and Spanish speakers.
When to Call 911 vs. 988
Call 988 For:
- Thoughts of suicide without immediate plan or means
- Severe emotional distress or mental health crisis
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or hopelessness
- Substance use crisis (overdose risk, withdrawal concerns)
- Help deciding if emergency care is needed
- Supporting someone else in crisis
- Grief or trauma processing
Key point: 988 counselors can help you assess the situation and connect you to appropriate care, including emergency services if needed.
Call 911 For:
- Suicide attempt in progress or completed
- Self-harm causing serious injury
- Person has weapon and intends to use it
- Immediate threat to harm self or others
- Unconscious or unresponsive
- Overdose or medical emergency
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Severe substance intoxication with medical symptoms
Key point: When physical safety is at immediate risk, call 911. You can also call 988 first if you're unsure—counselors can help determine appropriate response.
Understanding Florida's Baker Act
The Baker Act (Florida Mental Health Act, Chapter 394, Part I, Florida Statutes) allows for involuntary examination of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness.
Key Facts About Baker Act
Criteria for Initiation
A person can be Baker Acted if there's reason to believe they:
- Have a mental illness (as defined in Florida law)
- Refuse voluntary examination OR are unable to determine need for examination
- Are likely to suffer neglect or refuse care, OR pose a risk of harm to self or others without care
Who Can Initiate
- Law enforcement officers: Most common initiators after witnessing behavior meeting criteria
- Physicians, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors: Can initiate based on clinical assessment
- Judge: Can order examination based on petition and evidence
Note: Family members cannot directly Baker Act someone, but can petition a court or request law enforcement assessment.
72-Hour Examination Period
Once initiated, the person is transported to a Baker Act receiving facility for evaluation. During the 72-hour period:
- Psychiatric evaluation conducted by physician or clinical psychologist
- Treatment can be provided with informed consent
- Person must be released within 72 hours unless they agree to voluntary treatment or court orders involuntary placement
Rights During Baker Act
Individuals under Baker Act examination have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Contact an attorney, family members, and Florida Abuse Hotline
- Receive visitors (unless clinically contraindicated)
- Make phone calls
- Refuse treatment (except in emergencies threatening immediate harm)
- Be informed of rights in writing at admission
- Habeas corpus (right to challenge detention)
Important: The Baker Act should be used as a last resort when voluntary treatment is refused and there is imminent danger. If a loved one needs mental health treatment, first encourage voluntary care and consultation with RECO Integrated Psychiatry at (561) 464-4077.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Recognizing warning signs can save a life. According to the American Association of Suicidology, warning signs fall into three categories:
Immediate Risk (Act Immediately - Call 988 or 911)
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to die (searching online, seeking access to firearms, pills, or other means)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from activities and social isolation
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression or reckless behavior
- Putting affairs in order (updating will, making final arrangements)
- Sudden improvement in mood after period of depression (may indicate decision has been made)
Mood & Emotional Warning Signs
- Depression, anxiety, loss of interest
- Irritability, rage, seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing feelings of humiliation or shame
- Overwhelming guilt or self-hatred
How to Help Someone Showing Warning Signs
- Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking does NOT plant the idea—it shows you care and opens conversation.
- Listen without judgment: Let them share their feelings. Don't minimize their pain or offer simple solutions.
- Don't leave them alone if you believe they're in immediate danger.
- Remove access to lethal means: Firearms, medications, sharp objects. Research shows restricting access saves lives.
- Help them connect to support: Call 988 together, take them to emergency room, or help them schedule appointment with mental health professional.
- Follow up: Check in regularly. The period after a crisis can remain high-risk.
Creating a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a written, personalized list of strategies to help you stay safe during a mental health crisis. Research shows safety planning reduces suicide attempts by up to 45%.
Safety Plan Components
1. Warning Signs
List specific thoughts, feelings, or situations that indicate a crisis is developing:
Example: "Thoughts like 'everyone would be better off without me,' feeling numb, urge to isolate, increased alcohol use, arguments with partner"
2. Internal Coping Strategies (Things I Can Do Alone)
Activities that distract you or help you feel better without needing to contact anyone:
Example: "Go for walk, listen to favorite playlist, take shower, practice deep breathing, watch favorite show, exercise, journal, pet my dog"
3. Social Settings That Provide Distraction
Places you can go or people you can be around (without necessarily talking about the crisis):
Example: "Go to coffee shop, attend yoga class, visit library, go to gym, attend support group meeting, visit friend"
4. People I Can Ask for Help
Trusted friends, family, or support people with contact information:
Example: "Sister Sarah: (555) 123-4567 | Friend Mike: (555) 987-6543 | Sponsor Tom: (555) 246-8135"
5. Mental Health Professionals to Contact
Your treatment team and crisis resources:
Example: "Therapist Dr. Johnson: (561) XXX-XXXX | Psychiatrist at RECO: (561) 464-4077 | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Palm Beach Mobile Crisis: (561) 383-8111"
6. Making the Environment Safe
Steps to reduce access to lethal means:
Example: "Give medications to family member to hold, remove firearms from home or use gun lock, remove sharp objects to safe location, delete saved websites about suicide methods"
Download safety plan template: Stanley-Brown Safety Plan (PDF)
Store copies: Keep written copies in wallet, phone, home, and share with trusted support people and treatment providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call 988 instead of 911?
Call 988 for mental health crises including suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, substance use crises, anxiety or panic attacks, or mental health emergencies without immediate physical danger. Call 911 if someone has already harmed themselves, has a weapon and intends to use it, is unconscious or having a medical emergency, or poses immediate danger to themselves or others. When in doubt, calling either number will connect you to professionals who can direct you to appropriate help.
What happens when I call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
When you call or text 988, you'll be connected to a trained crisis counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. The counselor will listen to your concerns, provide emotional support, assess the situation, help you identify coping strategies, and connect you to local resources if needed. All calls are confidential (unless you're in immediate danger), free, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish. The average wait time is under 1 minute. Counselors are trained in suicide intervention, mental health crisis de-escalation, and active listening.
What is the Baker Act in Florida?
The Baker Act (Florida Mental Health Act, Chapter 394, Part I) allows for involuntary examination of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, or are unable to care for themselves due to mental illness. A person can be held for up to 72 hours for evaluation. Initiation can occur through law enforcement, mental health professionals, or physicians. During the 72-hour period, a psychiatric evaluation is conducted to determine if further treatment is needed. The person has the right to contact an attorney, receive visitors, and refuse treatment (except in emergencies). Baker Acting should be used as a last resort when voluntary treatment is refused and there's imminent danger.
How do mobile crisis teams work?
Mobile crisis teams are mental health professionals who come to your location (home, school, workplace, or public place) to provide on-site crisis assessment and intervention. Teams typically include licensed mental health counselors, social workers, or nurses. They assess the situation, provide crisis counseling, develop safety plans, connect you to ongoing services, and determine if hospitalization is needed. Services are free, available 24/7, and designed to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by providing support in the community. In Palm Beach County, call (561) 383-8111 for mobile crisis response.
What are warning signs that someone may be suicidal?
Warning signs include talking about wanting to die or kill oneself, researching ways to die, talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, expressing feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, increased substance use, acting anxious or agitated, withdrawing from family and friends, changing eating or sleeping patterns, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge, displaying extreme mood swings, giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye as if it's the last time, and putting affairs in order. If you notice these signs, ask the person directly about suicide, listen without judgment, remove access to lethal means, stay with them or ensure they're not alone, and help them connect with crisis resources like 988.
What should I include in a safety plan?
A comprehensive safety plan includes: (1) Warning signs - specific thoughts, feelings, or situations that indicate a crisis is developing, (2) Coping strategies you can do alone - activities that distract from suicidal thoughts like exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques, (3) Social settings that provide distraction - places you can go and people you can be around (without discussing the crisis), (4) People you can ask for help - friends, family, or support persons with their contact information, (5) Mental health professionals to contact - therapist, psychiatrist, crisis line numbers, (6) Steps to make your environment safe - removing or securing access to lethal means like firearms, medications, or sharp objects. Keep written copies in multiple locations and share with trusted supports.