If you are worried about suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or a fast-moving emotional crisis, 988 can connect you to immediate support. Get clear, parent-focused guidance on when to use 988 for your child or teen and what happens when you call.
Start with how urgent things feel right now, and we will help you understand whether 988 may be the right next step, what to expect from the call, and how to support your family in the moment.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is for mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, emotional crisis, and situations that feel unsafe or are getting worse quickly. Parents often search for help because they are unsure whether their child is in immediate danger, whether a teen is talking about wanting to die, or whether a crisis line is appropriate for a child. If your child or teen is expressing suicidal thoughts, talking about self-harm, feeling hopeless, panicked, or out of control, 988 can help you think through the next step with a trained crisis counselor. If there is an active suicide attempt, a weapon, severe injury, or immediate medical danger, call 911 right away.
If your child or teen says they want to die, talks about not wanting to be here, or you are worried about self-harm, 988 can help you respond quickly and safely.
If emotions are spiraling, your teen is overwhelmed, or you are seeing sudden changes in behavior, 988 can offer real-time crisis support and help you decide what to do next.
Many parents call because they are uncertain. 988 is appropriate when you need immediate guidance to understand risk, calm the situation, and plan the safest next step.
A counselor listens, asks a few focused questions, and helps understand what is happening with your child or teen right now.
The conversation may cover suicidal thoughts, self-harm risk, access to dangerous items, and whether your child can stay safe where they are.
Depending on the situation, that may include de-escalation support, a safety plan, local resources, or guidance on whether emergency services are needed.
Parents often hesitate because they do not want to overreact. In many cases, calling 988 is the right move precisely because you are unsure. It can be used when a child is talking about suicide, a teen is in emotional crisis, or a family situation feels unstable and you need immediate support. Our assessment can help you sort through urgency, warning signs, and the best next step based on what you are seeing at home.
Understand whether the situation sounds like immediate danger, a serious crisis, or something that still needs prompt support.
Learn what information may be helpful to share with 988 and how to describe what is happening with your child or teen.
Get personalized guidance that fits your family's situation, whether you need crisis support now or help deciding what to do next.
A parent should consider calling 988 when a child or teen has suicidal thoughts, talks about self-harm, seems emotionally out of control, or the situation is escalating quickly and you need immediate crisis guidance. If there is immediate physical danger or an active suicide attempt, call 911.
No. 988 can also help with severe emotional distress, a teen mental health crisis, self-harm concerns, panic, hopelessness, or a family crisis that feels unsafe or overwhelming. Many parents call because they are worried and unsure how serious the situation is.
You are connected with a trained crisis counselor who listens, asks questions about safety and urgency, and helps you decide on the best next step. They may help de-escalate the moment, talk through risk, and guide you toward immediate support options.
Yes. Parents and caregivers can call 988 to get guidance about a child or teen in crisis, even if the young person is not ready or willing to speak directly.
Call 988 for mental health crisis support, suicidal thoughts, and urgent emotional distress when you need immediate guidance. Call 911 if there is immediate danger, a suicide attempt in progress, a weapon involved, serious injury, or a medical emergency.
Answer a few questions about your child or teen's situation to receive personalized guidance on urgency, when to call 988, and what supportive next steps may help right now.
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