If your child is self-harming, saying they want to die, or showing signs of immediate risk, it can be hard to know whether to call 911, go to the ER, or take another urgent step. Get clear, parent-focused guidance to help you respond quickly and safely.
Answer a few questions about what is happening right now or what happened recently, and get personalized guidance on whether your child may need emergency care, immediate psychiatric help, or another next step.
If your child has a serious injury, has taken an overdose, has a weapon, cannot stay safe, is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is saying they are about to attempt suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now. If the danger feels immediate, trust that instinct. You do not need to wait until you are completely certain before getting emergency help.
Seek emergency help now if your child has attempted suicide, says they are about to act, has a specific plan, or has access to the means to carry it out.
Go to the hospital or call 911 if there is heavy bleeding, deep wounds, loss of consciousness, possible poisoning or overdose, head injury, seizures, or any injury that may need urgent medical treatment.
Immediate psychiatric help may be needed if your child is highly agitated, hearing or seeing things others do not, unable to calm down, trying to run away, or refusing all help while still at risk of harming themselves.
Call 911 if your child is in immediate physical danger, has a life-threatening injury, has taken pills or substances, is violent or out of control, or you cannot transport them safely.
Go to the ER if your child needs urgent medical evaluation, has self-harm injuries that may require treatment, or is expressing suicidal thoughts and you believe they may act soon even if they are calm in the moment.
If there is no immediate danger but the risk feels serious, contact your child’s mental health provider, pediatrician, local crisis service, or 988 for urgent guidance on the safest next step.
Stay with your child if you can do so safely. Speak calmly and directly. Remove sharp objects, medications, cords, firearms, and other dangerous items if possible. Focus on safety, not punishment or interrogation. If there is significant injury, suicidal intent, or you are not confident you can keep them safe, seek emergency help immediately.
Try: “I’m here with you. My job is to help keep you safe. I’m going to get support right now.” A calm tone can reduce escalation.
If your child says they want to die, do not assume it is only for attention. Take the statement seriously and get immediate help if there is current intent, a plan, or unsafe behavior.
If you are unsure whether this is an emergency, use the assessment to sort through the warning signs and get personalized guidance on what level of help may be needed.
Self-harm is an emergency when there is severe injury, overdose, loss of consciousness, suicidal intent, a suicide attempt, a clear plan to die, or any situation where your teen cannot stay safe right now.
Call 911 if there is immediate danger, a life-threatening injury, overdose, active suicide attempt, weapon involvement, or if your child cannot be transported safely. If the situation is urgent but stable enough for transport, the ER may be the right next step.
Call emergency services right away if your child says they want to die and also has a plan, means, intent to act soon, severe agitation, or behavior suggesting they may act immediately. If you are unsure, treat it as urgent and seek help without delay.
Do not wait for a routine appointment if your child is actively self-harming, escalating quickly, unable to agree to safety, expressing suicidal thoughts with intent, or showing signs of psychosis, panic, or extreme distress that makes home safety unreliable.
Go to the hospital if there was a serious injury, overdose, strangulation, head injury, fainting, or if your child recently expressed suicidal intent or took actions that suggest a near attempt. Children and teens may minimize risk after the most intense moment has passed.
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance for your child’s situation, including whether emergency care, immediate psychiatric help, or another urgent next step may be appropriate.
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