Managing a Mental Health Crisis Safely

The approach of the end of the school year often brings a surge in children and youth experiencing mental health crises. This year, Seattle Children’s is seeing that increase earlier than ever.  

Resources are available to help families navigate a crisis safely:  

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7 access to trained crisis responders who can be contacted by the youth or caregiver directly. They will help to assess the crisis and discuss next steps, potentially connecting families to crisis services available in their county. Calls to 988 are answered by Washington call centers. County Crisis Lines are also available and can connect youth to mobile crisis units to respond to assist with safety planning, lethal means counseling, and connection to ongoing care.  
• Seattle Children’s Psychiatric Urgent Care: Same-day virtual or in-person intervention for Washington children and youth ages 4 to 17 who do not need the services of an emergency department. Open daily 12 to 8pm (closed on major holidays). See guidance on when to go to Psychiatric Urgent Care or an emergency department. 
• Emergency department: Patients experiencing a medical emergency, including those at imminent risk of harm to self or others, should seek immediate care at an emergency department. We recommend that youth in crisis don’t travel further than they need to.  

For more detailed information about how to set families up to manage a crisis safely, watch “What to do in a crisis” (Video: 15:36).