If You're in Immediate Danger
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm or suicide, please get help right away.
Mental health crises can happen to anyone, and knowing where to turn for help can be life-saving. This page provides comprehensive crisis resources, including national hotlines, local Auburn area services, and guidance on recognizing when immediate help is needed.
Remember: Seeking help during a crisis is a sign of strength, not weakness. Crisis counselors are specially trained to help people through their most difficult moments, and all services listed here are confidential and non-judgmental.
Important: This page is for informational purposes. If you're experiencing a medical emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
National Crisis Hotlines
These national resources provide immediate, confidential crisis support 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential emotional support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Services include:
- Immediate crisis counseling
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Local resource referrals
- Follow-up support when possible
- Specialized support for Veterans, LGBTQ+, and other communities
Crisis Text Line
Free 24/7 support for those in crisis through text messaging
Services include:
- Text-based crisis counseling
- Anonymous and confidential
- Trained crisis counselors
- De-escalation techniques
- Resource connections
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support for those experiencing domestic violence or abuse
Services include:
- Crisis intervention
- Safety planning
- Information about domestic violence
- Local shelter and resource referrals
- Support for friends and family
Local Auburn Area Resources
These local resources provide crisis support and emergency mental health services in the Auburn area:
Auburn University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Mental health services specifically for Auburn University students
24/7 crisis support available
Services:
- Individual and group counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Psychiatric services
- Workshops and outreach programs
- After-hours emergency consultation
East Alabama Medical Center
Local hospital with emergency psychiatric services
Full psychiatric emergency services
Services:
- Emergency psychiatric evaluation
- Crisis stabilization
- Inpatient psychiatric services
- Medical clearance for mental health issues
- Coordination with outpatient providers
Lee County Department of Human Resources
Local government services including mental health support
Services:
- Mental health case management
- Resource referrals
- Family support services
- Emergency assistance programs
- Connection to community resources
Alabama Department of Mental Health
State resources and crisis services
Services:
- Crisis intervention services
- Mobile crisis teams
- Psychiatric emergency services
- Community mental health center referrals
- State hospital services when needed
Recognizing Crisis Warning Signs
Knowing how to recognize when someone (including yourself) may be in crisis can be life-saving:
Suicide Warning Signs
Immediate Action Required
If you notice these signs: Take immediate action. Call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. Don't leave the person alone.
Mental Health Emergency
Urgent Professional Help Needed
Domestic Violence Emergency
Safety Planning Required
Creating a Personal Safety Plan
A safety plan is a written, prioritized list of coping strategies and sources of support that you can use during a crisis:
Step 1: Identify Warning Signs
Recognize early signs that you're entering crisis
- List your personal warning signs (thoughts, feelings, behaviors)
- Notice patterns in your mood and thinking
- Identify triggers that typically precede crisis
- Share these signs with trusted people in your life
Step 2: Create a Support Network
Identify people you can contact during difficult times
- List 3-5 supportive friends or family members
- Include their phone numbers and best times to reach them
- Let them know they're part of your safety plan
- Identify which people are best for different types of support
Step 3: Develop Coping Strategies
Have specific activities ready to help manage crisis feelings
- List activities that have helped you feel better in the past
- Include both calming activities and ways to get help
- Have a 'crisis kit' ready with comfort items
- Practice these strategies when you're feeling well
Step 4: Remove or Secure Means
Reduce access to methods of self-harm during crisis
- Remove or lock away potentially harmful items
- Give medications to a trusted friend or family member
- Avoid alcohol and drugs during vulnerable times
- Ask someone to stay with you if needed
Step 5: Professional Support Plan
Know exactly how to access professional help
- Have therapist and psychiatrist contact information readily available
- Know the process for after-hours crisis contact
- Understand when to go to emergency room vs. call crisis line
- Have insurance and medical information organized
Remember:
Work on your safety plan when you're feeling well, not during a crisis. Share it with trusted friends, family members, and your therapist. Review and update it regularly as your life circumstances change.
Helping Someone in Crisis
Do:
Take it seriously
Always take threats of self-harm or suicide seriously, even if the person has made threats before
Listen without judgment
Let them express their feelings without trying to fix or minimize their problems
Ask directly about suicide
It's okay to ask 'Are you thinking about suicide?' This doesn't increase risk and shows you care
Stay with them
Don't leave someone alone who is in active crisis or has expressed intent to harm themselves
Help them connect with professional help
Assist them in calling crisis lines, going to emergency room, or contacting their therapist
Follow up
Check in with them regularly after the immediate crisis has passed
Don't:
Remember: You don't have to be a professional to help someone in crisis, but you shouldn't try to handle it alone. Always involve professional help when someone is at risk.
After the Crisis
Getting through a mental health crisis is significant, but ongoing support is crucial for recovery and preventing future crises:
Follow-up Care:
- • Schedule follow-up appointments with mental health professionals
- • Continue taking medications as prescribed
- • Attend therapy sessions consistently
- • Connect with support groups
- • Maintain regular contact with crisis counselors if available
Building Ongoing Support:
- • Update your safety plan based on what you learned
- • Strengthen relationships with supportive people
- • Develop regular self-care routines
- • Learn new coping skills and stress management techniques
- • Consider peer support or advocacy opportunities
Hope and Recovery:
Recovery from a mental health crisis is possible. Many people who have experienced crisis go on to live fulfilling lives. Professional treatment, ongoing support, and personal commitment to wellness all contribute to long-term recovery and resilience.
Professional Support is Available
If you've experienced a mental health crisis or want to develop better coping skills, professional therapy can provide ongoing support, safety planning, and tools for long-term wellness.