If your child or teen may be at risk of suicide, self-harm, or a mental health crisis, learn when to call 988, what happens when you call, and how to get immediate support for your family.
Share what is happening right now, and we’ll help you understand how urgent the situation may be, when 988 may be appropriate, and what kind of crisis support to seek next.
The 988 mental health crisis line is designed for moments when a child or teen is talking about suicide, expressing hopelessness, showing signs of self-harm, or experiencing a severe emotional or mental health crisis. Parents often search for help because they are unsure whether the situation is urgent enough to call. If you are worried about suicidal thoughts, escalating distress, or behavior that feels unsafe, 988 can help you think through next steps in real time. If your child has a weapon, has taken an overdose, is unconscious, or is in immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
A trained crisis counselor can listen, help assess the situation, and guide you through what to do if your child is suicidal, overwhelmed, or in acute emotional distress.
You do not have to wait until your child agrees to ask for help. Parents can call 988 for family support, guidance, and help deciding how to respond safely.
If speaking feels hard in the moment, 988 suicide hotline text for help may be another way to reach support and begin getting guidance quickly.
A counselor will ask what is happening, whether your child is safe right now, and what warning signs or behaviors you are seeing.
The conversation may cover suicidal statements, self-harm, access to means, recent changes in behavior, and whether your child can stay safe with supervision.
Depending on the situation, they may help you create a safety plan, encourage urgent in-person care, or connect you with local crisis resources.
If you are wondering how to call 988 for your child, you can contact the line yourself as a parent or caregiver. Be ready to describe your child’s age, what they have said or done, whether there has been self-harm or a suicide attempt, and whether there is access to medications, sharp objects, or firearms. If your teen is willing, they can also speak directly with the counselor. If not, you can still call and explain your concerns. The goal is to get clear, immediate guidance that matches the level of risk.
Statements about suicide, disappearing, being a burden, or not wanting to be here can signal a serious need for crisis support.
Cutting, burning, giving away belongings, searching for ways to die, or sudden calm after intense distress may require urgent attention.
Panic, agitation, extreme hopelessness, intense mood changes, or behavior that feels far outside your child’s usual pattern can be reasons to call 988.
Call 988 when your child is talking about suicide, showing signs of self-harm, experiencing a severe mental health crisis, or when you are seriously concerned but unsure how urgent the situation is. If there is immediate physical danger, call 911 instead.
Yes. Parents and caregivers can call 988 for guidance even if their child refuses help. A crisis counselor can help you think through safety concerns, what to say, and what steps to take next.
A trained counselor will ask about the current risk, your child’s behavior, any suicidal statements, access to means, and whether your child is safe right now. They will then help you decide on the safest next step, which may include supervision, a safety plan, urgent evaluation, or emergency services.
Yes. If calling feels difficult or you need a quieter way to reach support, texting 988 may be an option. The goal is the same: immediate crisis guidance for you or your child.
No. The 988 crisis hotline for teens and families is also for suicidal thoughts, self-harm concerns, severe emotional distress, and situations where a parent needs help understanding whether a crisis is developing.
Answer a few questions to better understand whether 988 may be the right next step, what level of support your child may need, and how to respond with more clarity right now.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
Crisis Hotline Support
Crisis Hotline Support
Crisis Hotline Support
Crisis Hotline Support