Navigating NYC Mental Health: A Toolkit

Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

Not all mental health crises need 911 – Start with 988 if you are unsure.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is a time to recognize that suicide is not inevitable. With connection, responsive care, and timely resources, healing is possible. On this page, you’ll find practical tips, guidance on when to call 911, 988, or 311, and NYC-specific supports to ensure every New Yorker has access to help when it matters most.

Prevention Resources

This printable guide shares warning signs, protective factors, and key resources to promote mental wellness and prevention.

Download

Suicide Prevention Tips

Need to Talk? Call or Text 988

If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide or feeling overwhelmed, reach out to 988 now.

It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org to speak with a trained crisis counselor who will listen and support you. Deaf/HOH folks can access care at this link.

Know the Warning Signs

Look for signs like:

· Saying “I want to give up”

· Pulling away from others

· Mood swings or increased substance use

· Giving away belongings

If you notice these signs, don’t wait—988 is here to help, even if it’s not an emergency.

Ask and Listen with Care

Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Listen without judgment. You don’t have to fix it—just being there matters. You can call or text 988 together for support.

Find What Helps You Feel Safe

Make a list of people and activities that help you feel better. Avoid unsafe situations when upset. 988 can help you build a plan—even if you’re not in crisis.

Stay Connected and Hold on to Hope

Spend time with people you trust. Do small things that bring comfort. Suicidal thoughts can pass—healing is possible.

Reach out to 988 or a counselor anytime you need support.

Get Involved Guide

This guide highlights events, toolkits, and resources to help New Yorkers get involved in suicide prevention and care.

Download

Help is here.

If you or someone you care about is in distress, support is available!

Is this an emergency?

An emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention. If someone is at immediate risk of hurting themself or someone else or is in immediate danger because of a health condition or other situation: Call 911 immediately.

· Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

· If you're unsure, call 988 to talk through it.

· Text 911 if you are unable or it is unsafe to call.

· Be advised, police and emergency medical services may respond any time you call 911. Federal guidelines permit 911 access to your exact location using geolocation technology.

white square graphic with white border. Large white text reads: “CALL.” Next to the words, a speech bubble contains “911.” Along the bottom are icons: an ambulance, a flame, a police badge, and a siren, representing emergency services.

What you might see:

· Someone poses an imminent danger to themselves or others.

· Someone is acting erratically or exhibiting signs of serious distress.

· Situations requiring an in-person emergency medical response (e.g., difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, serious physical injury).

· A person is trying to end their life, has a plan, and access to lethal means.

Call 911

Is this a crisis?

A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, distress or trouble. A crisis can be personal, a family crisis, or related to some other event in your life. If you are in a crisis, call one of our counselors: 988.

· Free, 24/7, and confidential mental health and substance use support from trained crisis counselors.

· No insurance or ID required.

· Interpreters available in 200+ languages, including ASL.

· In-person support available: Mobile Crisis Teams can visit in person or at home or school in just a few hours during an emotional crisis. Call 988 or Refer Online Here.

· You can speak with a peer counselor with lived experience.

What you might see:

· Any kind of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 988 will escalate calls to 911 when needed to keep someone safe.

· Emotional distress, overwhelming stress, or inability to function in daily life.

· Anxiety, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, anger, or similar struggles.

· Concerns about someone else’s mental or behavioral health

· Need for mental health or substance-use referrals, short-term counseling, peer support, or coping strategies

Can 311 help with this?

311 is not for emergencies or mental health crises, but it can connect you to city services and resources.

· Street outreach assistance for individuals living on the street or subway.

· Need a ride to care? Not every trip requires an ambulance—learn how to apply for safe same-day transportation options via Access a Ride and Medicaid.

· Not intended for mental health crises.

Black square graphic with white border. On the left, a speech bubble reads “311” with the word “CALL” underneath. On the right, a speech bubble reads “311-692” with the word “TEXT” underneath. Below, white text says: “DOWNLOAD APP (Apple/Android) nyc.gov/311.” Along the bottom are icons representing common city service requests: a person covering their ears with noise lines, an information symbol, a “No Parking” sign, a broken streetlight, loud music, and a fire hydrant.

What you might see:

· Seeing someone who may be living on the street or subway who could benefit from assistance, including shelter or case management.

· You or someone you know needs help with transportation for regular or same day medical or mental health appointments.

Call 311

Text 311

Get App

Culturally-Responsive Community Resources:

Improving Access to Mental Well-Being

Illustrated cover with a large yellow sunflower in front of the sun, surrounded by colorful flowers, with the title How to Get NYC Mental Health and Substance Use Services for All New Yorkers.

Download in English

How To Get NYC Mental Health & Substance Use Services For All New Yorkers

In New York City, everyone has guaranteed access to healthcare — including mental healthcare. Low- or no-cost services are available in many languages, in neighborhoods across New York City — regardless of insurance coverage, age, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Use this guide to find the right kind of help. If you know what you are looking for, click here to find services.