What To Do in a Mental Health Crisis
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services.
(Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)
When a behavioral health crisis occurs, it’s important to know what steps to take to ensure someone stays safe and gets the needed help. Below are questions and tactics to help manage the situation and inform health care or law enforcement officials.
Is someone suicidal or depressed?
- Ask directly if they are suicidal, if there is a specific plan and if they have access to this plan. Ensure they are safe and ask if someone is with them.
Does the situation involve drugs or alcohol?
- What behaviors is the person exhibiting?
- What did they take or use and how much did they consume?
- Is the person aggressive or suicidal?
- Are they vomiting or seizing?
Are they exhibiting bizarre or aggressive behavior?
- Has the person behaved in a manner that would inflict harm? Have they made any threats? If so, what is the nature of the threats?
- Has the person consumed alcohol or drugs?
- Are they taking any medications?
- Is the person hearing, seeing or smelling anything unusual?
- Does the person appear to be talking to themselves?
- Do they appear frightened, angry, agitated or depressed?
Behavioral or Mental Health Crisis Resources in Gallatin Valley:
- AWARE – Adult & Children’s Behavioral Health Services: 406.587.1181
- Community Health Partners – Counseling & Behavioral Health: 406.585.1360
- Eating Disorder Center of Montana: 406.451.7370
- Gallatin Mental Health Center, Out Patient Services, Day Treatment, Drop-in Center: 406.556.6500
- Greater Gallatin United Way – Variety of Services : 406.587.2194
- Help Center – 24 Hour Crisis Line and Suicide Outreach: 406.586.3333
- Information & Referral Network, dial 211
- Hope House Crisis Stabilization Inpatient Crisis Stabilization: 406.585.1130
- HRDC – Housing and Energy Help, Various Train Programs: 406.587.4486
- L’esprit – School and Community Treatment: 406.222.7641
- Mental Health America of Montana: 877.927.6642
- Montana Independent Living Project: 406.522.7300
- Montana Peer Network:406.551.1058
- Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
- Montana Warm Line, Non-crisis support line, M-F 4pm-10pm & Sat-Sun 10am-10pm: 877.688.3377
- MSU Human Development Clinic – Low-Cost services Adults, Children, Couples & Families: 406.994.4113
- MSU Counseling & Psychological Services (MSU students, staff & faculty): 406.994.4531
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: 406.443.7871
- Bozeman: namimt.org, 406.585.8959
- Find other Montana affiliate programs
- Open Arms Drop-in Center Peer-to-Peer Support: 406.556.6500
- M-F 12pm-4pm ∙ Doors are locked for 1pm Recovery Group that is open to all
- Salvation Army: 406.586.5813
- Sexual Assault Counseling Center: 406.586.3333
- State Addictive & Mental Disorders Information Line: 888.866.0328
- State Mental Health Ombudsman: 888.444.9669
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: 877.726.4727
- Veteran Administration (Psychiatric and Medications): 800.827.1000
- (Local number 406.582.5300)
- VOICE Center – MSU Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 406.994.7069
- Winds of Change Mental Health Center, Adult & Child Case Management, Psychiatry, Therapy: 406.541.4673
- Wellness in Action – Big Sky Community Counseling: 406.993.6803, info@wiabigsky.org, website: bigskywia.org
- Youth Dynamics, Inc. – Children’s Behavioral Health Services: 406.585.9402