If your child has threatened suicide, it can be hard to know whether to call 988, what to say, and what happens next. Get clear, parent-focused guidance to help you decide when a crisis hotline is the right step and how to use it effectively.
Start with how urgent the situation feels, and we’ll help you understand when to call 988, how a parent crisis hotline can help, and what to expect if you reach out for support for your child.
A crisis hotline can help when your child has made a suicide threat, talked about wanting to die, or you are unsure whether the situation has become a mental health emergency. Parents often call because they need immediate guidance, want help deciding on next steps, or need support staying calm while protecting their child. If there is immediate danger, a weapon, a recent attempt, or you cannot keep your child safe, call emergency services right away. If the situation is very serious but not clearly life-threatening this moment, 988 can help you think through what to do next.
A trained counselor can help you sort out whether this sounds like immediate danger, a high-risk situation that needs urgent action, or a moment where close supervision and next-step planning are needed.
If you are asking, "should I call a suicide hotline for my child," the call can help you prepare for the conversation, reduce panic, and focus on practical safety steps.
Depending on the situation, the hotline may guide you toward emergency care, mobile crisis services, urgent mental health support, or follow-up resources for your family.
You do not need perfect wording. Share the suicide threat, any warning signs, whether your child has a plan or access to means, and what is happening right now.
They may ask about timing, intent, past attempts, current behavior, supervision, and whether your child is with you. These questions help them guide you appropriately.
The goal is not to judge you. The goal is to help you protect your child, decide whether to seek emergency help, and make a safer plan for the next minutes and hours.
Many parents hesitate because they worry they are overreacting. But if your child has threatened suicide, asked about dying, or said something that makes you fear for their safety, it is reasonable to seek crisis hotline help. Calling does not mean you are committing to one outcome. It means you are getting expert support to make a safer decision. If your child is in immediate danger right now, skip the assessment and call emergency services or 988 immediately.
If possible, keep your child within sight and reduce access to medications, sharp objects, firearms, cords, or anything else that could be used for self-harm.
Be ready to describe what your child said, when it happened, whether there is a plan, and any recent stressors, substance use, or mental health history.
You do not need to solve everything on the call. The first goal is understanding current risk and getting clear guidance for what to do next.
Yes. Parents often call because they are unsure how serious a suicide threat is. A crisis hotline can help you assess urgency and decide on the safest next step based on what your child said and what is happening now.
Call 988 when your child has threatened suicide, expressed a desire to die, seems at risk of self-harm, or you need urgent guidance about what to do next. If there is immediate danger, a weapon, a recent attempt, or you cannot keep your child safe, call emergency services right away.
You will speak with a trained counselor who asks questions about the suicide threat, current safety, and your child’s behavior. They help you understand the level of risk and guide you toward the next step, which may include emergency care, crisis services, or a safety plan.
Yes. A parent can call for guidance after a child’s suicide threat. You can explain the situation, ask what to do, and get support even if your child is not ready or able to speak on the phone.
Answer a few questions to better understand the urgency, when 988 may be appropriate for your child, and what kind of support may fit your situation next.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
After A Suicide Threat
After A Suicide Threat
After A Suicide Threat
After A Suicide Threat