Assess the risk in person, now
Ask about plans, intent and access to means. Do not leave the person alone if the risk is high.
Helplines · United States
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text) 988 24/7 Emergency services 911 24/7If the line does not answer or life is at imminent risk, call emergency services. Short numbers only work inside the country.
If there is a structured plan or previous attempts, refer to the emergency department for psychiatric assessment.
Source and citation
https://988lifeline.org · https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention · 2026
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14
Decision support only: it does not replace clinical judgement.