Maybe you've tried the tips. Maybe you're not sure what you're looking at. Maybe things are technically manageable, but everyone is exhausted from managing them.
You don't need to prove things are “bad enough” to ask what support is available. Let's figure out a reasonable place to start.
First, the important part: If someone is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency, call emergency services. If a child or teen talks about suicide, self-harm, or not being able to stay safe, take it seriously and seek immediate professional guidance; do not wait for a routine appointment. In the U.S., call or text 988 for suicide, mental health, or substance-use crisis support. You can use 988 even if you're unsure whether it's a crisis. This page isn't an emergency assessment or diagnosis.
First, tell us who needs support
Who are you here for?
Choose one to tailor the next steps and the message you can send.
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Selected: MyselfThe guidance below is tailored to you. Change this choice anytime.
01 / Start where you are
What brought you here today?
You can change your answer. There isn't a score or a label at the end.
No test to pass.You can ask for help before things fall apart. Pick the situation that sounds closest; you can always change it.
A place to begin
A quick guide, not a diagnosis
How soon should I reach out?
Bring it up soonSomething keeps coming back, takes more effort than it used to, or you want another perspective. Schedule a conversation; you don't need to wait for it to get worse.
Don't wait for a routine visitThere is a significant new change, rapidly worsening distress, or trouble functioning or caring for basic needs. Contact a healthcare professional promptly for guidance; use urgent care when appropriate.
Safety comes firstIf someone talks about suicide, self-harm, or being unable to stay safe, take it seriously and seek immediate professional guidance. Call emergency services for immediate danger or a medical emergency. In the U.S., call or text 988 for crisis support, including when you’re concerned about someone else.
These are general examples, not a safety assessment. When unsure how urgent something is, ask a qualified professional rather than relying on this page.
02 / Make the first conversation easier
You don't need a perfect explanation.
Pick who you're reaching out to and jot down what you've noticed. We'll turn it into a starting message you can edit, copy, or read aloud.
Writing about yourself
Even a couple of details can help. If you leave the boxes blank, we’ll give you a short starter message you can personalize.
03 / What if the first door isn't the right one?
It's okay to ask for another door.
“They said it’s normal.”
Ask what changes would warrant follow-up, when to check in again, and whether another evaluation or referral makes sense.
“There's a waitlist.”
Ask about cancellation lists, interim supports, other providers, and what to do if things get worse while you wait.
“I don’t know who to call.”
Ask your primary care clinician or pediatrician for a starting referral. For school concerns, contact the school directly. If you are supporting another adult, ask what kind of help they want and offer to make the first call together.
If a concern is new, worsening, affecting safety, or interfering with everyday life, don't wait for a tool to tell you it's serious enough. Reach out.
This resource offers general navigation, not a diagnosis, individualized treatment advice, or a substitute for professional care. For U.S. help finding services, FindTreatment.gov lists mental health and substance-use treatment options. For immediate emotional crisis support, 988 is available by call or text.
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