A Practical Guide to help parents be prepared in case of crisis
A mental health crisis involving your child can be frightening and overwhelming. Parents often feel unsure about what steps to take or how serious the situation may be. In these moments, it can be difficult to think clearly while also trying to support your child.
While this guide for what to do if your child is in a mental health crisis is not meant to be medical advice, it can help you be better prepared and make informed decisions for your child’s safety.
A mental health crisis may occur when a child is experiencing intense emotional distress, expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or behaving in ways that suggest they may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
The most important goal during a crisis is safety. Knowing a few clear steps can help parents respond calmly and protect their child during a difficult moment.
Recognize Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Children and teens may show different signs when they are in crisis. Remember that each situation is different and you know your child best. If you are concerned it is always best to err on the side of safety.
Some common warning signs include:
- Talking about wanting to die or harm themselves
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
- Extreme emotional distress or panic
- Risky or dangerous behavior
- Giving away personal belongings
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
If your child expresses any of these warning signs or any thoughts about suicide or self-harm, it is important to take the situation seriously and respond quickly.
**In the U.S. dial 911 for emergency services
**Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak to trained crisis counselors 24/7 for free
**Or go directly to the nearest emergency room
Stay Calm and Focus on Safety
Your child may already feel overwhelmed or frightened. Remaining as calm as possible can help prevent the situation from escalating. As you assess the situation you can support your child by:
- speaking in a calm, steady voice
- listening without interrupting or judging
- reassuring them that you are there to help
- avoiding arguments or lectures in the moment
Simple statements can help your child feel supported, such as:
- “I’m really glad you told me.”
- “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
- “We are going to find help together.”
Your presence and calm response can help your child feel safe and less alone during an intense situation.
Ask Direct Questions
If you believe your child may be thinking about suicide, it is okay to ask directly. Research shows that asking about suicide does not increase risk and can help children feel understood.
You might ask:
- “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- “Have you had thoughts about suicide?”
If your child says yes, continue listening and focus on getting them help as soon as possible.
Do Not Leave Your Child Alone
If your child is expressing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress, stay with them or ensure another trusted adult is present.
Removing access to potentially dangerous items, such as medications or sharp objects, can also help reduce immediate risk. For further information about keeping your child safe during a mental health crisis read our guide on how to conduct a Home Safety Audit.
Remember that your goal is to provide comfort and help ensure your child remains safe while you determine the next steps.
Seek Immediate Support
If your child may harm themselves or is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not worry about whether your situation is severe enough to seek help. If you’re considering help you are already at the point where it’s severe enough. Acting quickly and confidently saves lives. Believe me, I know.
This is an incredibly tough moment for a parent but this is what we are called to do. Protecting our children is the greatest act of love.
If you are worried about what will happen once you get to the emergency room read our guide What to expect at the emergency room during a mental health crisis once you feel your child is safe. In that article we explain the process from the moment you walk through the door so you can feel more confident and are able to focus on your child’s needs.
If you determine that your child is not currently a danger to themselves or others, you should still consider:
- immediately contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (call or text) to connect to a trained crisis counselor
- immediately contacting your child’s mental health provider
Even if safety isn’t a concern in this moment, things can change quickly and unexpectedly. Getting advice and an evaluation from a trained professional is always the safest step you can take when it comes to your child’s mental health.
If your child does not currently have a mental health provider, contact their pediatrician for guidance.
After the Immediate Crisis
Once the immediate danger has passed, families often need additional support to help their child recover and prevent future crises.
Next steps may include:
- scheduling an appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist
- working with your child’s school for additional support
- creating a family safety plan
- continuing open conversations about how your child is feeling
Mental health recovery often takes time, and ongoing professional support can help children regain stability and confidence. Read our guide on The First 30 Days After a Mental Health Crisis for more information on how to support your child.
Advice for Parents
When a child experiences a mental health crisis, parents often feel scared and unsure how to respond. These feelings are completely understandable.
What matters most is responding with care, staying present with your child, and seeking help when it is needed. Taking action during a crisis is an important step in helping your child move toward safety and healing. Informed and empowered parents are better able to support their child and in turn, their whole family.
You do not have to navigate these moments alone. Help is available, and reaching out can make a meaningful difference for both you and your child.
You are not alone. Learn more about how we we provide Support for Parents
Get help with next steps:
Learn more about Mental Health Basics for Parents: What Every Parent Should Know
Get help understanding Treatment Options for Teens and Children
For help supporting the rest of the family, read How to Support Siblings When One Child Is In a Mental Health Crisis
Parents can learn more about mental health by visiting the CDC website.
This article is shared for information purposes only and is not meant to be used as medical advice.
If this article helped you, consider supporting Brighter Path Family Network. As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your donation is tax deductible and allows us to continue helping families facing a mental health crisis.
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