Mental Health Crisis Warmlines and Resources

(That Avoid the Police)

Connect with a warmline that avoids the police.

Chat with a trained peer supporter, without police intervention. Click here to see warmlines below.

Be aware of the risks of calling 911

If you or someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger and decide to call 911, please be aware thatpolice arenotequippedto offer mental health support andmay even pose serious danger to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Transgender, Mentally Ill, Neurodivergent, and Disabled People.

• Please first reach out to community leaders, neighbors, friends, and family to be present if you are calling the police.

Seek community-based alternatives to police

For community-based alternatives to police in your city:

• Visit: Don't Call the Police for resources with transparency about reporting policies

• Search for "mobile crisis" or "community response teams" in your city. 

  • Calling 211 in some cities will dispatch community response teams instead of law enforcement. Ask in advance whether they dispatch the police if this is a concern.

• Find a Peer Respite near you

  • Voluntary, short-term, overnight program that provides community-based, non-clinical crisis support

Ask trusted loved ones for support

Consider letting your trusted loved ones know that you are struggling. Here are some tips to share with them if they're helpful to you:

• Ask them to listen and empathize, and not judge, give advice, place pressure, or center their own feelings.

  • Tip: Stay curious, not controlling.

• Are your basic needs met? If not, ask for direct, tangible support.

  • Examples: water, food, filling prescription, comfortable place to rest

• Ask them to stay with you and to make a plan together.

  • Try this anti-carceral crisis & safety plan template (Project LETS)

• If you do not want police or hospital intervention, communicate this clearly.

Handle substances, coping tools & weapons with care

If you are using substances, alcohol, or self-injury to cope, we understand. Consider asking a trusted loved one to stay with you, without judgement. If you want their help, ask them to remove it from you when you feel ready. 

If there are weapons such as guns nearby, lock them away or ask a trusted person to remove them for safety.

Navigate crisis together

It's often relieving to be understood by people that have been in a similar place as you. Check out some ways to connect with peer supporters, and resources created by folks that live with suicidal thoughts.

• Connect with Peer Support and Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) Groups

• Connect with an Independent Peer Supporter (compiled by Radical Care Club)

• Sharing from lived experience:

  • Navigating Crisis (Fireweed Collective)

  • Questions to ask before giving up (Project LETS)

  • What I wish you knew about suicide (compiled by Dandelion Hill for Peer Support Space)