If you're wondering when to call 988 for your child, what happens when you call, or whether 988 is the right step for teen self-harm or suicidal thoughts, this page can help you act quickly and calmly.
Start with how urgent the situation feels right now, and we’ll help you understand whether 988 immediate help may fit your child’s crisis and what to expect next.
Call 988 when your child or teenager may be at risk of self-harm, suicide, or a mental health crisis and you need immediate support deciding what to do next. Parents often use 988 when a child is talking about wanting to die, has engaged in self-harm, is overwhelmed and unsafe, or when the situation is escalating and they are unsure how to keep everyone safe. If there is a weapon, a suicide attempt in progress, a serious injury, or immediate physical danger, call 911 right away.
Your child says they want to die, talks about suicide, writes goodbye messages, or seems preoccupied with not being here anymore.
Your teen has cut, burned, or otherwise hurt themselves, or says they feel unable to stop urges to self-harm and you need immediate guidance.
Your child is panicking, shutting down, acting recklessly, or becoming harder to reach emotionally, and you need help deciding the safest next step.
You’ll speak with someone trained to help in emotional and mental health crises. They will listen, ask what is happening, and focus on immediate safety.
The counselor may ask about suicidal thoughts, self-harm, access to means, recent behavior changes, and whether your child is with you right now.
They can help you make a safety plan, guide you on calming the situation, and discuss whether more urgent local support is needed.
Before you call, move closer to your child if it is safe to do so, reduce access to anything they could use to hurt themselves, and stay calm and direct. Be ready to share your child’s age, what they said or did, whether there has been self-harm, whether they have a plan or access to means, and whether they are alone. If your teenager refuses help, you can still call 988 as a parent to get guidance on how to respond.
Do not leave them alone if you believe there is a real risk of self-harm or suicide. Keep your presence steady and nonjudgmental.
Say what you notice and that you want to help: “I’m concerned about your safety, and I’m staying with you while we get support.”
Secure medications, sharp objects, cords, firearms, and car keys if those items could increase danger in the moment.
Yes. If you are unsure and the situation feels concerning or escalating, 988 is an appropriate place to get immediate guidance. You do not need to wait until things feel extreme to ask for help.
Yes. Suicidal thoughts alone are enough reason to call 988, especially if your child sounds hopeless, talks about wanting to die, or you are worried their safety could change quickly.
A crisis counselor will ask about the self-harm, current safety, suicidal thoughts, and what support is available around your child. They can help you decide whether the situation can be stabilized at home or needs more urgent intervention.
Parents can absolutely call 988. If your child will not talk, is too overwhelmed, or you need help knowing what to do next, you can call as the parent or caregiver.
Call 911 if there is immediate physical danger, a suicide attempt in progress, a weapon present, a serious injury, or your child cannot be kept safe where they are. 988 is for crisis support and guidance; 911 is for emergency response.
Answer a few questions about your child’s situation to get clear, supportive next steps for teen crisis, self-harm concerns, or suicidal thoughts.
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