If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, help is available right now.
If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of ending your life:
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.
Or go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911.
You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Thoughts of suicide can happen alongside depression, bipolar disorder, or other conditions we treat, and they're something we take seriously and ask about directly as part of care — not as a one-time question, but as an ongoing part of how we monitor your treatment. Talking about these thoughts openly with a provider is one of the most protective things you can do, and it will never be treated as something to be ashamed of.
No. Most patients who have thoughts of suicide are safely treated as outpatients. Hospitalization is one tool among several, reserved for situations where someone's immediate safety is at risk. We'll talk honestly with you about your risk level and what level of support fits, together.
A safety plan is a simple, personalized plan you build with your provider ahead of time — identifying warning signs, coping steps, people to reach out to, and how to remove access to lethal means during a difficult moment. It's a practical tool, not a formality.
Encourage them to reach out to us, or to call or text 988 themselves. You can also call 988 for guidance on how to support someone else — you don't have to be the one in crisis to use that line.
