Supporting a Loved One in Crisis:
What To Do and Where To Turn

When someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, substance use emergency, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming emotional distress, it can feel frightening and confusing. Many families describe feeling unsure of what to say, who to call, or how serious the situation really is.

Help is available, and you do not have to navigate a crisis alone.

If immediate support is needed, you can call North Central Health Care’s Crisis Services at 800.799.0122. When you call, you will speak with a trained crisis specialist who will listen without judgment, assess safety, and guide you through next steps. Depending on the situation, that may include mobile crisis response, short-term crisis stabilization, or connection to ongoing behavioral health care.

You may also dial or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Calling 988 connects you to a trained specialist through the national network and a regional crisis center. Please note that 988 does not automatically route directly to NCHC Crisis Services. However, with your consent, the specialist can connect you to appropriate local resources when needed.

Recognizing Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Crisis situations do not always look the same. Sometimes warning signs are subtle.

Common signs that someone may need immediate support include:

• Increased isolation from family or friends

• Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden

• Talking about death, suicide, or wanting to “escape”

• Sudden changes in behavior, sleep, appetite, or mood

• Escalating substance use

• Extreme agitation, panic, or aggressive behavior

If you notice these signs, start by having a conversation. Ask direct questions about how the person is feeling and whether they feel safe. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not increase risk, it opens the door to support.

What Happens After You Call for Crisis Support?

Reaching out for help can feel like a big step. Knowing what comes next often brings relief.

When you call 800.799.0122, our crisis team will:

• Conduct an immediate safety assessment

• Provide emotional support and de-escalation

• Help create a safety plan

• Determine whether mobile crisis response is needed

• Connect the individual to crisis stabilization services or behavioral health treatment if appropriate

Our goal is to provide the right level of mental health support at the right time, and to stabilize individuals in the least restrictive setting whenever possible.

Mobile Crisis Response (C.A.R.T.)

North Central Health Care operates a Crisis Assessment and Response Team (C.A.R.T.) that provides mobile crisis response in the community.

C.A.R.T. pairs a trained crisis professional with law enforcement to respond directly when in-person support is needed. Whenever possible, intervention occurs safely in homes or community settings to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and support individuals where they feel most comfortable.

Mobile crisis services focus on stabilization, safety planning, and connecting people to ongoing care.

Crisis Stabilization & Behavioral Health Hospital Services

For individuals who require short-term intensive support after a crisis, we offer:

Youth and Adult Crisis Stabilization Facilities

These facilities provide structured, short-term support focused on safety, stabilization, and transition to community-based care.

Youth and Adult Behavioral Health Hospitals

For those needing a higher level of care with clinical supervision, our behavioral health hospitals provide intensive treatment to stabilize acute mental health conditions.

Together, these services create a coordinated crisis system that supports individuals from the first call through recovery.

You Are Not Alone

Mental health crises can happen suddenly and they can happen to anyone. Reaching out for help early often prevents situations from escalating and helps families regain stability faster.

If you are concerned about someone you love, call 800.799.0122 for local crisis support or dial 988 to connect with the national crisis network.

Support is available 24/7. You do not have to carry this alone.