For caregivers, family, and friends
Helping someone you love.
When someone you care about is struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone — and you don't need a crisis of your own to reach out for help on their behalf. These are real, verified places to start.
If they're in danger right now
Call or text 988
You can call, text, or chat 988 for guidance on helping someone you're concerned about — counselors will talk it through with you, whether that person is with you or not. If they are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Mobile crisis teams — help that comes to you
In many communities, a mobile crisis team — behavioral health professionals trained to respond in person — can come to you or someone you're worried about, help calm the moment, and connect you with care. SAMHSA describes this as the "someone to respond" part of a full crisis system: someone to call, someone to respond, and someplace to go.
The easiest way to reach one is to start with 988. Counselors connect you with your local crisis center, and in many areas they can dispatch or arrange a mobile crisis team. You can also dial 211 to ask about crisis services near you.
Mobile crisis teams are still being built out across the country, so they aren't available in every community yet. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Verified resources for caregivers
NAMI: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
A free step-by-step guide from the National Alliance on Mental Illness for families and caregivers — what to do before, during, and after a mental health emergency.
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988 Lifeline — for worried friends & family
Call, text, or chat 988 even when the crisis is someone else's. Counselors can help you plan a conversation, find local services, or simply talk it through.
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Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential, 24/7 support by text — in English and Spanish — for anything you're carrying, including worry for someone else. Text HOME to 741741.
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NAMI — education & family support
Your local NAMI chapter offers free education and support programs for families and caregivers of people living with mental health conditions.
Verified September 2026 against nami.org
Exploring options together
Find ongoing support, options, and treatment.
FindSupportToday.com is our companion resource for discovering support — useful when you're helping someone compare options at their own pace.
Visit FindSupportToday.com →And take care of yourself, too
Supporting someone through a crisis is heavy. Every resource on this page — 988, Crisis Text Line, NAMI — is also there for you. Reaching out about your own exhaustion or worry is not taking anything away from the person you love.
Beyond September is not a crisis, therapy, or medical service. Read the full disclaimer.
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