Emergency Mental Health Services for Someone Else: How to Get Immediate Help (2026 Guide) Posted byMiss Date Doctor February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 Table of Contents hide 1 What Are Emergency Mental Health Services for Someone Else? 2 When Should You Seek Emergency Mental Health Help for Someone Else? 3 Who Do You Call for Emergency Mental Health Services? 3.1 United States 3.2 United Kingdom & Ireland 3.3 Canada 3.4 Australia 3.5 Emergency Services (Any Country) 4 How to Get Emergency Mental Health Help for Someone Else (Step-by-Step) 5 What to Say to Someone in a Mental Health Crisis 6 Can You Call Emergency Mental Health Services Without Their Permission? 7 What Happens After You Call Emergency Mental Health Services? 8 How to Find Local Emergency Mental Health Services Near Me 9 FAQs (People Also Ask) 9.1 What is the fastest way to get emergency mental health help for someone else? 9.2 Can I report someone who is suicidal? 9.3 Will they be hospitalized against their will? 9.4 What if I’m afraid to call the police? 9.5 Can I stay anonymous when calling? 10 Expert Safety Tips 11 About the Author 12 Trust & Transparency 13 If You Need Help Right Now If someone you care about is having a mental health crisis, knowing how to act fast can save their life. This guide explains how to find emergency mental health services for someone else, what to say, who to call, and what to expect — written in plain language for quick decisions during high-stress moments. GET EMERGENCY SUPPORT NOW SPEAK TO A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL GET SUPPORT NOW CLICK HERE What Are Emergency Mental Health Services for Someone Else? Emergency mental health services are urgent supports designed to help people experiencing a mental health crisis, such as: Suicidal thoughts or attempts Severe panic attacks Psychosis or hallucinations Violent or threatening behavior Extreme emotional distress Substance-related mental breakdowns These services include crisis hotlines, mobile crisis teams, emergency departments, and emergency mental health response units. If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services right now. When Should You Seek Emergency Mental Health Help for Someone Else? You should seek emergency help if the person: Is talking about suicide or wanting to die Has a plan or access to means Is acting aggressively or violently Is experiencing hallucinations or delusions Can’t care for themselves Has taken an overdose Is severely intoxicated and mentally unstable Trust your instincts. If it feels urgent, it is urgent. Who Do You Call for Emergency Mental Health Services? United States 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 (24/7 mental health crisis support) United Kingdom & Ireland Samaritans Call 116 123 Canada Talk Suicide Canada Call or text 988 Australia Lifeline Australia Call 13 11 14 Emergency Services (Any Country) Call your local emergency number (911 / 999 / 112) Ask for mental health crisis response if available in your area How to Get Emergency Mental Health Help for Someone Else (Step-by-Step) Stay calm and present Your calmness helps de-escalate the situation. Ensure immediate safety Remove access to weapons, medications, sharp objects if possible. Call a crisis line or emergency services Ask specifically for mental health crisis support. Describe the situation clearly Share behaviors, threats, and what you’re seeing. Stay with them if it’s safe Do not leave them alone if suicide risk is present. Follow professional instructions Crisis responders can guide you in real time. What to Say to Someone in a Mental Health Crisis Use calm, non-judgmental language: “I’m here with you.” “You’re not alone.” “I care about your safety.” “Let’s get you some help right now.” “You don’t have to go through this by yourself.” Avoid: “Just calm down.” “You’re overreacting.” “It could be worse.” Giving ultimatums Can You Call Emergency Mental Health Services Without Their Permission? Yes. If someone is in danger or unable to make safe decisions, you can seek emergency help for them. Mental health professionals prioritize safety over consent in crisis situations. What Happens After You Call Emergency Mental Health Services? Depending on location and severity: A mobile crisis team may come to your home Emergency services may transport the person to a hospital A mental health professional may assess risk Short-term hospitalization may occur Follow-up outpatient support may be arranged The goal is stabilization, safety, and connection to care. How to Find Local Emergency Mental Health Services Near Me Search using natural, voice-friendly phrases like: “Emergency mental health services near me” “Who do I call for a mental health crisis?” “Mobile crisis team in my city” “Mental health emergency help for someone else” Check: Local government health websites Hospital emergency departments Community mental health centers Nonprofit crisis organizations FAQs (People Also Ask) What is the fastest way to get emergency mental health help for someone else? Call your local emergency number or your country’s crisis hotline immediately and request mental health crisis support. Can I report someone who is suicidal? Yes. If someone is at risk of harming themselves, you can and should seek emergency help for them. Will they be hospitalized against their will? Possibly — but only if professionals believe they are an immediate danger to themselves or others. The priority is safety. What if I’m afraid to call the police? Ask for mental health crisis response or mobile crisis units where available. Many areas now use trained mental health professionals instead of police when possible. Can I stay anonymous when calling? Most crisis hotlines allow anonymous calls. Expert Safety Tips Take all suicide talk seriously Do not promise secrecy Trust your instincts You are not betraying them by getting help Your action can save their life About the Author Written by: Jordan Matthews, MA, LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 12+ years of experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and emergency mental health response. Former mobile crisis clinician working with emergency departments and community mental health teams. Credentials & Experience Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certified in Suicide Prevention & Crisis Response Worked directly with emergency mental health services and hospitals Contributor to mental health education platforms Trauma-informed care specialist Editorial Standards Medically reviewed by licensed clinicians Updated for 2026 best practices Follows trauma-informed language guidelines Evidence-based mental health recommendations Prioritizes safety and accessibility Trust & Transparency Sources include public health guidance, crisis intervention protocols, and clinical best practices No affiliate links No sponsorships This article is informational and not a replacement for professional medical advice If You Need Help Right Now If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services immediately. If you’re unsure, call a crisis hotline — they are trained to help you decide what to do next. You’re doing the right thing by looking for help. Acting quickly can save a life.