Suicidal ideation and crisis intervention

At TidalHealth, we understand that suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming. Our team provides immediate, compassionate care to help you stay safe, ease intense emotions, and move toward hope and healing. Care is available in person and through telehealth, delivered by clinicians trained in suicide risk assessment and brief, evidence-based crisis interventions.

What This Service Includes

• Rapid, trauma-informed risk assessment to understand current thoughts, intentions, access to means, and protective factors
• Personalized safety planning that identifies warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people and places, and steps to reduce access to means
• Short-term crisis therapy and practical coping skills to manage distress
• Coordination with outpatient providers, family (with permission), and community resources to support continuity of care
• Assistance with urgent psychiatric evaluation or referral for inpatient care when needed to maintain safety

Our Goals
The primary goals of crisis intervention at TidalHealth are to keep you safe, reduce distress, and connect you with ongoing care and community supports to promote recovery and lower future risk.

What to Expect
During your first contact, a clinician will ask clear, respectful questions about your thoughts, safety, and support system. Together, you will create a safety plan and outline next steps, which may include follow-up visits, outpatient therapy, medication review, or referral to higher levels of care if needed. After your visit, our team helps arrange follow-up, community resources, and ongoing mental health services so you feel supported throughout your recovery.

What is suicidal ideation?
Suicidal ideation means having thoughts about ending your life. These thoughts can range from brief and passing to more persistent. If you are experiencing them, support is available.

How will TidalHealth clinicians respond if I say I’m thinking about suicide?
Our team will ask direct, compassionate questions to understand your safety and needs. You can expect a careful risk assessment, an open discussion about what helps, and collaborative safety planning. Our focus is safety while respecting your dignity.

Will I be hospitalized?
Hospitalization may be recommended if there is imminent risk and safety cannot be maintained in the community. When possible, we consider less restrictive options and include you and your supports in decisions. If hospitalization is needed, we will explain the process and next steps.

Is what I share confidential?
Information is kept private within clinical and legal limits. If there is immediate risk to safety, confidentiality may need to be broken. These limits are explained, and you are included in safety planning whenever possible.

How quickly can I receive help?
Crisis services are designed for rapid access. Depending on availability, you may be seen the same day, through a crisis line, or in an emergency setting. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

What should I do right now if I'm in immediate danger?
If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, call your local emergency number, such as 911 in the U.S., or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., contact local emergency services or a national crisis line.

Can family or friends be involved?
With your permission, family or other supports can be involved in safety planning and follow-up. If consent cannot be obtained and risk is significant, clinicians may contact designated individuals to help keep you safe.

How long does crisis intervention last?
Crisis intervention is typically short-term and focused on immediate safety and stabilization. Follow-up may include outpatient therapy, medication management, care coordination, or referrals for ongoing support.

How can I support someone who may be suicidal?
Listen without judgment, ask directly if you are concerned, help them seek professional support, reduce access to means when safe, and stay with them or connect them to emergency services if needed. Encourage use of a safety plan and help with appointments.

Do you accept insurance or offer low-cost options?
Insurance coverage, sliding-scale fees, and community resources may be available. Ask during your first visit about payment options, including Medicaid or Medicare acceptance and low-cost referrals.

If you are thinking about harming yourself and need urgent help, contact emergency services or a crisis line right away.