Care Advice
- Threats of Harm to Self or Others - How to Respond:
- Children who threaten harm to self or other people need to be seen now. Emergent psych exams are done in the ER no matter the time of day.
- The risk assessment for suicide or homicide must be made in person. It should not be done by phone. It is usually made by a mental health expert. ER doctors may do the first screening.
- Some of these children may need to be in the hospital.
- If anyone is in danger, call the police (911). Examples are spouse abuse.
- For child abuse concerns, call the Child Protection Services (CPS) Hotline in your state.
- Child or Teen Already In Treatment With A Mental Health Provider:
- Contact your mental health provider first.
- If can't reach your provider and problem is urgent, call another resource. See #3.
- Local and National Mental Health Hotlines and Helplines (US numbers):
- Call your local mental health resource first, if you have the number. If not, call a national hotline for help. They often can refer you to the best local resource.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
- Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453. Crisis counselors answer calls 24/7.
- Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. This is a 24/7 substance abuse and mental health referral line. They can give you local treatment choices and numbers for support groups.
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-950-6264. This is an information and referral source for finding local mental health programs.
- Postpartum Depression Helpline: 1-800-944-4773.
- National Poison Control Number: 1-800-222-1222.
- Website Resources for Mental Health Concerns:
- American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website: www.healthychildren.org.
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Talking to Children about Disasters.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
- You have other questions or concerns
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.