For immediate danger, use local emergency services
If someone may be in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, taken an overdose or cannot be kept safe, contact emergency services where they are. Do not wait for a private clinic to reply or for an international admission to be arranged.
Suspected mania, psychosis, severe depression or rapidly worsening symptoms needs prompt professional assessment. You do not need to establish a diagnosis yourself before asking for help. An existing mental health team may have a crisis contact or an agreed plan; use it when appropriate, without delaying emergency care.
United Kingdom
For immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. In England, call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health advice. Routes outside England vary; check the relevant local NHS service. Samaritans provides listening support on 116 123; a listening line is not a replacement for emergency medical treatment.
NHS: where to get urgent mental health help
United States
Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency. For suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988, or use the 988 Lifeline website for chat and service information. Use the local emergency number when outside the United States.
Spain
Call 112 for an immediate emergency. 024 is the national support line for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or risk and their relatives or close contacts. The Ministry of Health describes it as free, confidential and available around the clock. It does not replace an in-person clinical consultation when one is needed.
Spanish Ministry of Health: 024 service
Switzerland
Call 144 for emergency medical assistance; 112 is also an emergency number. 143 is an adult support helpline. Check the helpline’s language and service arrangements; do not assume every local service operates in English.
Swiss Federal Office of Communications: emergency and helpline numbers
Elsewhere or supporting someone abroad
Contact the emergency or urgent mental health service in the country where the person is physically located. Give the location, concrete concerns and any immediate medical information you know. A supporter can remain with someone when it is safe to do so, but should not attempt physical restraint or manage a dangerous situation alone.
This page is not a monitored crisis service. The planning guide is for preparation with a treating team, not a reason to delay help now.