Crisis Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to a crisis resource.
Immediate Steps for Parents When a Teen Is in Crisis
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Immediate crisis refers to situations where a teen may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or showing severe mental health symptoms. Parents should directly ask about suicidal thoughts and call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. For less acute concerns, contacting the child's pediatrician or a mental health professional is advised.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Ask your teen directly and calmly: 'Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?'
- 22. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support if the answer is yes or you are concerned about safety.
- 33. Stay with your teen and remove any means of self-harm until professional help arrives.
What to say
- “I'm here for you and want to help you stay safe. Can you tell me what you're feeling right now?”
- “It’s okay to talk about how hard things feel. We will get through this together.”
- “I’m going to call someone who can help us make sure you’re safe and get the support you need.”
What to practice consistently
- Maintain open, non-judgmental communication about feelings and mental health regularly.
- Build a trusted relationship with your teen’s pediatrician or mental health provider before crises occur.
- Learn and watch for warning signs of mental health struggles to act early.
What to avoid
- Avoid dismissing or minimizing your teen’s feelings or threats of self-harm.
- Do not leave a teen alone if you suspect they are in immediate danger.
- Avoid arguing or blaming, which can increase distress.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
Related questions
It is a free, confidential, 24/7 national hotline for immediate support in mental health crises, reachable by calling or texting 988.
If your teen is threatening to harm themselves or others, or experiencing severe symptoms like psychosis, immediate emergency care is recommended.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder tool to locate qualified providers.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
Tutoring Options for Younger Children: What Parents Should Know
Yes, tutoring options exist for younger children, typically focusing on early developmental skills such as language, social-emotional growth, and foundational learning. These options range from informal responsive caregiving and play-based learning to structured early education programs and specialized tutoring services.
High-Quality Educational Content for Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
High-quality educational content for toddlers focuses on interactive, age-appropriate activities that promote cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development. Leading organizations recommend limiting screen time to one hour of co-viewed, educational programming for ages 2 to 5, emphasizing play-based learning and real-world interactions over passive media consumption.
When to Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth: A Guide for Parents
Brushing a child's teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears, typically around 6 months of age. Early dental care helps prevent tooth decay and establishes healthy habits. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste is recommended for infants and toddlers.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Child's Well-Being
Parents should consider seeking professional help for their child when behavioral, emotional, developmental, or physical concerns persist beyond typical age-related patterns or interfere with daily functioning. Early intervention is key to addressing issues such as persistent sleep problems, frequent intense tantrums, school refusal, anxiety disorders, feeding difficulties, developmental delays, or signs of mental health disorders.
From around the web
Warning Signs of Suicide
Details warning signs and how to respond to suicide risk in children and teens.
National Institute of Mental Health
What to Do in a Mental Health Crisis
Guidance on recognizing and responding to mental health crises in children and adolescents.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Information about the 988 Lifeline and how to access immediate crisis support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Mental Health in Teens
Overview of teen mental health issues and when to seek help.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Track what works
Coming soonUse Rosie to remember what you tried and whether it helped.