Where to Go When You're in a Mental Health Crisis (or Helping Someone Who Is)

Let’s be real—mental health crises don’t come with a warning label or a neat little guidebook telling you exactly what to do next. They can hit suddenly, or they can build up over time until things feel unbearable. If you or someone you love is in crisis, knowing where to go for help can make all the difference.

So, let’s break it down: when should you go to a mental health crisis center, when is the emergency room a better option, and what should you do if you’re not sure?

What Exactly Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis is when someone is struggling so much emotionally or psychologically that they can’t function in their daily life. It’s not just a “bad day” or a rough patch—it’s serious distress that needs immediate attention.

Some signs include:

• Feeling completely overwhelmed or hopeless

• Extreme mood swings or outbursts

• Withdrawing from loved ones and responsibilities

• Neglecting personal hygiene or daily tasks

• Having panic attacks or uncontrollable anxiety

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming others

If any of these sound familiar (for yourself or a loved one), it’s time to reach out for help. But where should you go? That depends on the situation.

When to Go to a Mental Health Crisis Care Center

If the crisis is serious but not immediately life-threatening, a mental health crisis care center is the best place to go. These centers specialize in urgent mental health support, meaning you won’t be stuck in an emergency room waiting for hours. They have trained professionals—psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health nurses—who know exactly how to help in situations like this.

At a crisis center, you can expect:

✅ A psychiatric evaluation to figure out what’s going on

✅ Therapy to stabilize emotions and develop a plan

✅ Medication management if needed

✅ Help connecting with ongoing mental health resources

✅ Support navigating legal or insurance concerns

Crisis centers are flexible, meaning they focus on what’s best for you in that moment. Some people receive outpatient care (going home after receiving help), while others stay overnight for extra support. Either way, the goal is to help you feel safe and connected to the right next steps.

Go to a mental health crisis center if:

• You’re struggling emotionally and need urgent support

• You feel unsafe but are not in immediate physical danger

• You need help but don’t require emergency medical care

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Sometimes, a crisis is so severe that the emergency room (ER) is the best option. While ERs aren’t always equipped for specialized mental health care, they are the right choice when there’s an immediate physical risk involved.

You should go to the ER if:🚨 You or someone else has overdosed on drugs or alcohol🚨 There’s a medical emergency in addition to the mental health crisis🚨 The person is an immediate danger to themselves or others and needs secure medical supervision

If you arrive at an ER for a mental health crisis, doctors will assess your physical and emotional health and determine the best course of action. While ERs can be overcrowded, they are the safest place when urgent medical attention is needed.

What If You’re Not Sure Where to Go?

If you’re feeling stuck, you don’t have to make the decision alone. You can always call 988—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—to talk to a trained mental health professional who can guide you toward the right next step.

Plus, 988 isn’t just for people in crisis. If you’re worried about a friend or family member, you can call too. They’ll help you figure out the best way to support your loved one.

How to Be There for Someone in Crisis

If you’re supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis, your role is important—but it doesn’t mean you have to fix everything.

💙 Listen without judgment. Sometimes, people just need to feel heard.💙 Avoid trying to “fix” things. It’s okay if you don’t have the answers—just being there is enough.💙 Encourage them to seek help. Offer to go with them to a crisis center or help them make the call.💙 Take care of yourself too. Supporting someone in crisis is tough, and you need support as well.

Final Thoughts

Mental health crises are overwhelming, but you’re not alone—and there’s help available. Whether you need immediate support at an ER or targeted mental health care at a crisis center, there’s a place for you to turn. And if you’re unsure, 988 is always there to guide you.

If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t wait. Reach out, seek help, and remember: things can get better. 💙

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Here are some local Utah resources to consider if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:

1. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)

• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

• Services: HMHI offers comprehensive psychiatric treatment, including inpatient and outpatient services for individuals facing mental health challenges.

  en.wikipedia.org

• Website: Huntsman Mental Health Institute

2. Utah State Hospital

• Location: Provo, Utah

• Services: This state-run facility provides specialized mental health treatment for adults, adolescents, and children.

  en.wikipedia.org

• Website: Utah State Hospital

3. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Services: A nationwide, free, and confidential 24/7 service staffed by trained mental health professionals. They assist individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, and other mental health crises.

• Contact: Dial 988 to connect immediately.

4. Local Community Mental Health Centers

• Services: Utah has several community mental health centers offering crisis intervention, counseling, and support services.

• Finding a Center: Visit the Utah Department of Human Services website to locate a center near you.

5. Upcoming Resources

• Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center: Scheduled to open in South Salt Lake at the end of March, this center will add 24 short-term inpatient and 30 one-day crisis care beds, aiming to alleviate the current mental health care shortage in Utah.

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Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and these resources are here to support you through challenging times. If you're ever in doubt about where to turn, calling 988 can provide immediate guidance and assistance.