In times of acute crisis, it is crucial to know the available resources and understand the best steps to take for your safety and well-being. This page provides guidance on navigating emergencies and a list of supportive resources that respect your autonomy.
Medical Emergencies
If you are experiencing a medical emergency that threatens your life or physical health, such as severe injury or an acute medical condition, please go directly to the nearest emergency room (ER). Hospitals are equipped to handle urgent medical needs and can provide immediate assistance.
Mental Health Crises
In the context of mental health crises, it is important to consider the options carefully. The healthcare system, while providing essential services, can sometimes operate in ways that do not fully align with the needs and best interests of every individual, particularly those from marginalized communities. Historically, practices within colonizing healthcare systems have included forced hospitalizations, which may not always be in the best interest of the patient. It is essential to understand your rights and seek environments that prioritize your autonomy and consent.
Interaction with Law Enforcement
We advise caution when considering calling the police during a psychiatric crisis. Law enforcement officers are generally not trained to handle mental health issues effectively. For individuals belonging to marginalized communities, interactions with police can carry additional risks and may not always result in the compassionate care needed. It is vital to assess the situation and explore other resources that might better serve your needs without escalating risks.
Police Do Not De-Escalate
Roughly 1 in 5 people fatally shot by police in the U.S. are experiencing a mental health crisis. That’s 1,000+ people in the past 5 years who needed care…not bullets.
Police are trained to control, not to de-escalate or hold space. Especially for BIPOC and disabled individuals, police involvement is often a death sentence.
What to Do Instead of Calling the Police
- Local Mobile Crisis Teams (MCRT): Mental health workers who respond instead of police (Ask first if they will send police as this varies by city).
- Peer Support & Warm Lines Divested from Police: Compassionate listeners with lived experience (resources below).
- Community Crisis Response Programs: Local teams trained in trauma-informed and disability-affirming care.
If You Must Call 911
Sometimes, police are already involved. Or there truly is no other option. If you’re in this situation, here’s how to maximize safety, document what happens, and protect the rights of the person in crisis:
- Tell Dispatch: This Is a Mental Health Emergency
Say clearly and firmly: “This is a mental health crisis, not a crime. The person is unarmed (if true) and needs a crisis intervention team (CIT) officer.”
Ask: “Can you confirm if officers have mental health crisis training?”
Stress if the person is: Autistic or nonspeaking, Disabled or has a history of trauma, a child or teen, BIPOC, trans, or otherwise marginalized. The more context you give, the better. - Ask for Minimal Officers, No Sirens, and No Guns Drawn. This helps prevent overstimulation, fear, or escalation. Especially for people with sensory sensitivity or trauma history.
- Stay on the Line and Give Real-Time Updates. If the situation de-escalates before police arrive, call back and let dispatch know. They can reduce the urgency or cancel the call.
- Document Everything– Record and write down badge numbers, names, time of arrival, and anything officers say. Use your phone’s voice memo or video. Ask bystanders to record from a safe distance. *If you’re afraid of retaliation, back up the video to the cloud or send it to a trusted person immediately.
- Know Your (and Their) Rights– You do not have to consent to a search without a warrant. If the person is a minor or has a disability, they have a right to an advocate or guardian present. Ask: “Is this person being detained? Are they free to go?” You can request a supervisor if officers escalate or dismiss your concerns.
- Don’t Leave the Person Alone if You Can Help It– If safe, stay with the person throughout the interaction. Calmly narrate what’s happening to them if they’re confused or overwhelmed. Translate or speak on their behalf if they’re nonspeaking or unable to communicate clearly. If you’re a friend, therapist, case manager, or family member, say that explicitly.
- Follow Up Immediately After– Request a copy of the police report and body cam footage. Contact a civil rights lawyer if excessive force was used. Document injuries, interactions, and emotional distress for legal protection
Warm lines
The following hotlines are available for those who need someone to talk to during a crisis. These services are designed to provide support without initiating active rescue operations, such as calling EMTs or alerting authorities that could lead to forced hospitalizations. They are confidential, respectful of your autonomy, and do not involve emergency services unless explicitly requested by you.
- Call Blackline: (800) 604-5841 Text/Call 24/7 Blackline offers peer support and advocacy for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Divested from police.
- Thrive Lifeline: (313) 662-8209 Text “Thrive” 24/7 Crisis responders offer support for mental health crises for underrepresented individuals.
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860 Text/Call 24/7 A hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people, providing direct emotional and financial support. Divested from police.
- StrongHearts Native Lifeline: (844) 762-8483 Text/Call 24/7 Helpline for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.
- Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line (888) 407-4515 Peer-led. No assessments, no tracking, no emergency dispatch.