I’m thinking of hurting myself or someone else. What are my options to stay safe?
Last updated: 12/30/2025
If you are presently in crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation, we strongly recommend that you develop a safety plan with your family, therapist, and/or primary care provider (PCP) for suicidal ideation. This plan should include linkage to national or local agencies. If you have trouble with one resource, please try others on the list. There is hope!
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or Text 988
If you are a veteran, Press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text at 838255 You do not need to be enrolled with VA to call or text.
Online chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
Veterans can access online chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
You can also call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency department if you are experiencing a mental health or medical emergency.
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone related to pregnancy and delivery, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health line at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Additional pregnancy related resources for those in North Carolina: https://www.med.unc.edu/ncmatters
If you are in North Carolina and are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call HOPE4NC: 1-855-587-3463 or text "hope" to 1-855-587-3463.
County Level Support in NC can be found at crisissolutionsnc.org
State Level Supports that can help you connect with local resources may be found here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/crisis-services
If you live in Mecklenburg County, NC, you may contact the Mobile Crisis Services: Mental Health Crisis (704) 566-3410 (opt. 1)
If you would like to visit a Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Mecklenburg County, please visit The Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care at 616 Colonnade Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. Services are available 24/7. Phone: (704) 273-3942
If you are in South Carolina you may contact the Mobile Crisis Support at (833) 364-2274, toll free and 24/7.
The Trevor Project (LGBQT+ support) https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Text ‘START’ to 678-678 (Teen LGBQT+specific)
LGBQT National Youth Talkline (800) 246-7743
If you would like to talk to a peer that can understand mental health challenges, but may not be feeling suicidal please contact NC Peers Warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762)
South Carolina residents can contact a Certified Peer Support Specialist through scheduled meetings with SC Share.
If you live in North Carolina and were recently incarcerated, please call the Recidivism Reduction Educational Programs Services (RREPS) at 888-852-0004. Help is available for re-entry into society.
Residents of South Carolina that were recently incarcerated can find assistance for employment reentry through the Second Chance program.
If you are concerned about a domestic violence situation, please call 800.799.SAFE, visit thehotline.org, or text START to 88788
An outpatient psychological evaluation typically takes some time to schedule and additional time to get results. An evaluation is not a form of treatment but can help direct treatment. A psychological evaluation can provide you guidance for long-term plan to address mental health concerns to reduce risk factors associated with crisis. It should also be noted that a psychological assessment is NOT required for starting therapy services, and you can seek counseling even without having diagnostic results.
External links provided above do not indicate endorsement or agreement by Insight Carolinas. Links are provided above as a courtesy. Please review the Disclaimer for additional information.
