Navigating a mental health crisis for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult experience. Here are a few national and local crisis services that may help you in a time of need.
Nine-eight-eight (988) is the new number for the 24/7 suicide & crisis hotline. In the past, you may have seen the number as 1-800-273-TALK. Though this number still works, 988 was founded as a way to be more accessible to the public.
IMPORTANT INFO:
- If you DO call from an 850 area code number, you will be transferred directly to 211 (more information below).
- If you DO NOT call from an 850 area code number, you will be transferred to your area code’s mental health crisis services. If you would like to have access to Leon County (or surrounding areas) local resources, make sure to immediately let the 988 operator know.
Many think 988 is only available if you or a loved one is contemplating suicide. However, 988 also offers 24/7 text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. – 988lifeline.org
Call or Text: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Hours: Available 24 hours
Languages: English, Spanish
Click HERE to see video in Spanish.
If you call 988 with an 850 area code phone number, you will be transferred to 211.
211 Big Bend is a private, telephone counseling, crisis intervention and referral service in Tallahassee (formerly known as the Telephone Counseling and Referral Service.)
Just as you would call 9-1-1 for emergencies, you can call 2-1-1 for human service information and assistance. They are available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information & referrals. You do not have to be in crisis to call, there is no eligibility criteria, and their services are free. They help you navigate through the maze of community services in a nonjudgmental manner. –https://211bigbend.org/about/
Call or Text: 211
Hours: Available 24 hours
Languages: Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and other non-English languages
911 CIT Trained Officers (CIT)
If law enforcement aid is necessary, you’ll need to call 911. It is imperative that you remain calm until professional help arrives, and ask for a CIT trained officer. The operator will then send specially trained law enforcement officers who are trained in dealing with individuals going through a mental health crisis.
How to request a CIT trained officer: “I am requesting the aid of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer.” If the operator is unsure about the availability of a CIT-trained officer, please ask to speak to a supervisor.
NOTE: You can request that officers arrive without lights or sirens.
Call: 911
Hours: Available 24 Hours
Languages: English