Seeing your therapist once a week or every other week can be beneficial and exactly what you need. However, sometimes waiting a few more days for your scheduled appointment might seem impossible if your symptoms have become intolerable and not manageable. Sometimes, therapists have the availability to see you that same day or talk on the phone. Sometimes, therapists might not be able to talk when you need or may not have the availability to see you before your next scheduled appointment. What can we do when our therapist is not able to see us before our next scheduled appointment? Check out some of these mental health resources below for getting through a crisis situation.
Mental Health Resources Outside of Your Therapist
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached when you dial 988 or 800-273-8255. If you are currently struggling with anything, even if you are not feeling suicidal or self-harm tendencies, this is still a great line to call. Someone will be on the other end of the line 24/7 to be an active listener, validate your concerns, offer and provide resources, and help you manage your crisis to the best of their ability. Do not be concerned when they ask for your name, number, and if you are feeling suicidal. The operator’s like to have your name to know who they are talking too, your number is in case you get disconnected, and the suicidal questions are standard to make sure you are safe.
Crisis Help Text Line
Are you feeling overwhelmed and maybe uncomfortable about talking to someone on the phone, but you need some crisis management to get yourself back on track? The 24/7 crisis help text line might be for you then. Open up a new text message, dial 741-741 in the number area, and send a text message that says “HOME”. This line is very similar to the national suicide hotline, but handles crisis via texting instead of talking over the phone. This can be especially helpful if you are in a situation where you cannot talk on the phone. They will also actively “listen” to your concerns and struggles. They can also provide resources to help you get yourself back on track.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Sometimes, our therapists are our safe space if we are going through a challenging relationship. Unfortunately, domestic violence can happen any day, any time, and can be very scary. The Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached both by a phone call or a text message. You can call the hotline at (800) 799-7233 or you can text the word “LOVEIS” to 22522. Anyone can call this hotline, whether you are the one in a dangerous situation, or you know someone in a dangerous situation and you are not sure how to help. These services are always confidential and each person on the other line has had extensive training. Be prepared to answer questions about where you are, if you are alone, and specifics about your situation so the trained individuals can help you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
This 24/7 hotline is for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance abuse challenges. SAMHSA has individuals on the other side trained, ready to listen, and can provide referrals and resources to support groups, treatment facilities, and community-based organizations. They can be contacted by calling (800) 487-4357 (HELP). SAMHSA is also a confidential resource, but be prepared to provide general information such as where you live so they can provide appropriate referrals.
The Veterans Crisis Line
This hotline is very similar to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but is more angled for those with family members that are veteran’s or you are a veteran yourself. This line can be reached by dialing 988 and then pressing 1 or texting 838255. The Veterans Crisis line is also a 24/7, confidential service, where you will be heard and provided with appropriate resources depending on what you share and your situation.
Review of resources
The above hotlines are all free, 24/7, and have extensively trained individuals that are prepared to actively listen, provide appropriate resources, and help you manage a crisis situation the best they can. Whether you call or text, your information will be kept confidential and you can call for yourself or call for someone you know. When your therapist is not available for a crisis, give one of these hotlines a chance to provide you the immediate support you need.
About Therapist Bethany Winter, MA, LPC Barnum Counseling
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2023, February 24). What to expect when you contact us. The Hotline. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.thehotline.org/what-to-expect-when-you-contact-us/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (n.d.). Home. Lifeline. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://988lifeline.org/
(n.d.). Mental Health Resources: Types and how to access. Medical News Today. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-resources#online-and-phone
(n.d.). Samhsa’s national helpline: Samhsa – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
(n.d.). Veterans Crisis Line. Home. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
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