Behavioral Health Problems

When To Call

Call 911 Now

• Physical harm or abuse is occurring now. Reason: police are needed.
• Child is threatening serious harm to others now. Reason: police are needed.
• Child has attempted or is threatening suicide now

Go to ER Now

• Threats of harm to self or others, but not present now (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• You do not feel safe at home now
• Drug or alcohol use is suspected and has symptoms now
• Confused or bizarre behavior
• Child is very upset; can't be calmed down (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• Child is very angry; out-of-control (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• You think your child needs to be in a hospital
• Child abuse concerns and physical findings are present

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Child abuse concerns and no physical findings. You can also call your local Child Protection Services.
• You want an urgent psych exam for your child (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
• Needs mental health services and symptoms are urgent. You can also call 988 or a local mental health resource.

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Drug or alcohol use suspected, but no symptoms now
• Symptoms are constant and keep patient from doing their normal tasks of daily living
• Needs mental health services and symptoms are not urgent. You can also call a local mental health resource.

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Common behavior problems (such as temper tantrums)
• Toilet training problems
• Sleep problems
• Eating problems
• School problems
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Needs a resource or info on getting help for a mental health problem that is not urgent

Care Advice

Threats of Harm to Self or Others - How to Respond:

• Children who threaten harm to self or other people need to be seen now. Emergent psych exams are done in the ER no matter the time of day.
• The risk assessment for suicide or homicide is usually made by a mental health expert. ER doctors may do the first screening.
• Some of these children may need to be in the hospital.
• If anyone is in danger, call the police (911). Examples are spouse abuse.
• If anyone is in a mental health crisis, call 988.
• For child abuse concerns, call the Child Protection Services (CPS) Hotline in your state.

Child or Teen Already In Treatment With A Mental Health Provider:

• Contact your mental health provider first.
• If can't reach your provider and problem is urgent, call 988 or another crisis resource. See below.

Hotlines: Local and National Mental Health Hotlines or Crisis Lines (US numbers):

• Hotlines (Crisis Lines) are available 24/7. They provide counselors who can help you now.
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988.
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
• Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453.
• Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. This is a 24/7 substance abuse and mental health referral line. They can give you local treatment choices and numbers for support groups.
• National Poison Control Number: 1-800-222-1222.

Helplines: Local and National Mental Health Helplines (US numbers):

• Helplines are not crisis lines. They provide services Monday through Friday during regular hours.
• Call your local or state mental health resource first, if you have the number. If not, call a national helpline for assistance.
• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-6264. This is an information and referral source for finding local mental health programs.
• Postpartum Depression Helpline: 1-800-944-4773.

Website Resources for Mental Health Concerns:

• American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website: www.healthychildren.org.
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has several articles about talking to children about violence, shootings, etc. Website: www.aacap.org.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse
• You have other questions or concerns

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.