What a Mental Health Crisis Is and What Families Can Do
A mental health crisis is any situation that puts a person at immediate risk or prevents safe functioning. This guide explains what different crises look like, how to respond to each appropriately, and when to call 988 vs. 911.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne
Chief Medical Officer
At Banyan Treatment Centers, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne leads our nationwide clinical team with over a decade of addiction medicine experience, helping ensure evidence-based, compassionate care across every level of treatment.
Author / Written by: Banyan Editorial Staff
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne, CMO
Updated on: June 2026
Family Resources Hub › Mental Health Resources › What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
What a Mental Health Crisis Is and What Families Can Do
A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors put themselves or others at immediate risk, or in which a person can no longer function safely in their daily life. For families of people with addiction, crises are more frequent and more complex, because substance use can precipitate crises, mask their severity, and interact dangerously with psychiatric medications.
In Crisis Right Now? Call Us or 988.
Our admissions team can help assess the situation and connect you with the right level of crisis care. For immediate emergencies, call 988 or 911.
855-722-6926Free & confidential · Available 24/7 · No commitment required
What Different Mental Health Crises Look Like
Suicidal Crisis
Active suicidal ideation, thinking about suicide, making plans, or taking preparatory steps. In people with addiction, suicidal crises often occur during intoxication or in the immediate aftermath of a major loss. See related guides on warning signs and what to do if your loved one is suicidal.
Psychotic Episode
Loss of contact with reality, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking or speech. Psychosis can be induced by stimulants or cannabis, can emerge during severe withdrawal, or can reflect an underlying psychiatric condition. Psychotic individuals may act in ways that feel unpredictable or threatening.
Severe Panic or Dissociation
Extreme panic attacks or dissociative episodes, feeling detached from reality or the body, that impair the person's ability to function safely. These crises are usually not immediately life-threatening but can be terrifying and may require clinical intervention to de-escalate.
Acute Intoxication as Medical Emergency
Severe intoxication, particularly from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, can produce medical emergencies including respiratory depression and overdose. Call 911 immediately for any person who is unconscious, barely responsive, or showing signs of respiratory distress.
What to Do During a Mental Health Crisis
Call the Right Resource
Suicidal crisis: call 988. Psychosis or violent behavior: call 911 (request a mental health crisis team if available in your area). Medical emergency,overdose, unconsciousness, respiratory distress: call 911 immediately. Acute distress without immediate danger: 988 or a crisis line.
Stay Calm and Present
Your emotional state will partially regulate theirs. Speak slowly and calmly. Do not argue with delusions or try to logic someone out of psychotic thinking. Give space while maintaining safety. Your steady presence is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Reduce Environmental Stimulation
If possible, move to a quieter environment. Reduce noise, bright lights, and the number of people present. Avoid physical touch without permission. A calmer environment reduces arousal and supports de-escalation.
Follow Up Immediately After
The period following a crisis is not a time to return to normal. Connect with treatment resources right away, crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric care, or intensive outpatient, and ensure that what precipitated the crisis is being clinically addressed.
Speak With an Admissions Specialist
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out within one business hour — confidentially and without pressure.
Related Guides
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Suicidal
Immediate steps and who to call when you believe someone is at risk.
Read the guide →Warning Signs of Suicidal Thinking
The specific behaviors and statements that require immediate attention.
Read the guide →What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
How to recognize and respond to different types of mental health crises.
Read the guide →How to Talk About Suicide
Safe, direct approaches for having this critical conversation.
Read the guide →Caregiver Mental Health
How to protect your own mental health while supporting someone in crisis.
Read the guide →Additional Resources
Tools, community, and organizations to support your family's journey.
Crisis & Hotlines
Immediate help — national helplines and crisis resources for addiction and mental health emergencies.
View all crisis resources →Support Groups
Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Recovery Family & Friends, and peer groups for families.
Find a group near you →Blog & Articles
Clinician-authored articles, personal stories, and recovery news to keep families informed.
Read the Banyan blog →Insurance & Financing
Insurance verification, financing options, and navigating the cost of treatment.
Check your coverage →Downloadable Guides
Free PDFs on intervention, what to pack for treatment, and relapse prevention planning.
Free family addiction guide →About Banyan
Our clinical approach, accreditations, and the team behind Banyan's family-centered care model.
Meet our clinical team →