If your child is saying they want to die, talking about suicide, or you are afraid they may not be safe, get clear next-step guidance right away. Answer a few questions to understand when to call 911, when to contact crisis support, and how to keep your child safe in this moment.
This short assessment is designed for parents who need emergency mental health help for a suicidal child or teen. Based on what is happening right now, you will get personalized guidance on urgent safety steps and where to turn for immediate support.
If your child or teen talks about suicide, says they want to die, or seems at risk of acting on suicidal thoughts, treat it seriously and stay with them. Move to a calm, supervised space, reduce access to anything they could use to hurt themselves, and contact emergency or crisis support if there is immediate danger. If the situation is less immediate but still urgent, reach out to a crisis line, your child’s doctor, therapist, or local emergency mental health service the same day. You do not need to figure this out alone.
If your child has said how they would hurt themselves, is gathering means, attempting to leave to do it, or cannot agree to stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Statements like 'I want to die,' 'I can’t do this anymore,' or 'everyone would be better off without me' need immediate attention, especially if they sound hopeless, agitated, or out of control.
If your instincts tell you the risk is high, trust that concern. Uncertainty is enough reason to seek crisis help, stay close, and get professional support immediately.
Do not leave your child alone if you think they may act on suicidal thoughts. Keep them near you or another trusted adult until a professional tells you the immediate risk has passed.
Secure medications, sharp objects, ropes, cords, alcohol, car keys, and any firearms. If there are guns in the home, remove them completely if possible or store them unloaded, locked, and inaccessible.
Ask simple questions such as 'Are you thinking about hurting yourself right now?' and 'Do you feel able to stay safe while we get help?' Avoid arguing, lecturing, or trying to force them to cheer up.
If your child is about to act, has taken steps to harm themselves, or is medically unsafe, call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency department.
If your child is suicidal but not actively acting in this moment, crisis services can help you decide the safest next step and connect you to emergency mental health care.
If your child has a therapist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, school counselor, or behavioral health provider, contact them immediately and clearly state that your child is having suicidal thoughts.
Take it seriously, stay with your child, and ask if they are thinking about hurting themselves right now. If they have a plan, access to means, or seem likely to act, call 911 or go to the emergency room. If the danger is not immediate but still urgent, contact crisis support and your child’s doctor or therapist right away.
Call 911 if your child has a suicide plan, is attempting to act on suicidal thoughts, has taken something harmful, cannot be kept safe at home, or is in immediate medical or psychiatric danger. If you are unsure and fear they may act soon, emergency help is appropriate.
Stay with your child, keep your voice calm, and move them away from anything they could use to hurt themselves. Lock up or remove medications, sharp objects, firearms, cords, and car keys. Do not leave them alone until a qualified professional has helped you assess safety.
You should still act quickly. Even if your teen says they are not acting right now, same-day support is important. Stay engaged, reduce access to dangerous items, contact crisis support or their mental health provider, and continue monitoring closely.
If you are asking that question, it is worth getting help now. Parents often notice risk before they have proof. Use the assessment to sort out the level of urgency and get personalized guidance on whether to call 911, contact crisis support, or seek urgent mental health care today.
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance for a child or teen with suicidal thoughts, including when to seek emergency help now and how to protect them in the immediate moment.
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