Call or text
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, 24/7 support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Trained counselors can de-escalate, safety-plan, and connect you to local resources.
988Virtual IOP & OP · Ages 12–17 · CaliforniaIn-network insurance accepted
949-461-2620
Crisis & safety · Ages 12–17
Crisis resources for teens and families who need help now
National and California crisis lines, warning signs, and clear guidance on when to call 911 or 988 — plus how virtual IOP and outpatient care fit after immediate safety is established.
- Licensed clinicians
- Virtual care across California
- Free consultation
If your teen is in immediate danger
Call 911 for medical emergencies. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Virtual IOP and outpatient care are not emergency services — reach emergency help first, then contact us when your teen is safe for non-emergency clinical support.
Start here
Emergency help comes first — structured care follows
If your teen is talking about suicide, has a plan to hurt themselves, or is in immediate danger, do not wait for a therapy appointment. Call 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Stay with your teen, remove access to means when you can do so safely, and follow the guidance of emergency responders.
Virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient programs — including ours — are designed for teens who are medically and psychiatrically stable enough to participate in scheduled care at home. They are not substitutes for emergency departments, inpatient hospitalization, or mobile crisis teams when acuity is high.
This page gathers trusted crisis resources for teens and parents across California. When your teen is safe and a clinician confirms outpatient-level care is appropriate, we can help with structured virtual IOP and outpatient treatment, family therapy, and safety planning.
Crisis lines
National and California crisis resources
These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Save them before you need them — and share them with your teen if age-appropriate.
Call
Emergency services
For medical emergencies, active self-harm, overdose, or when you believe your teen cannot stay safe without immediate in-person response.
911Text
Crisis Text Line
Free crisis counseling by text for any painful emotion or situation. Helpful when a teen prefers texting over calling.
Text HOME to 741741Call or text
California Youth Crisis Line
California-specific crisis line for youth and families — peer and counselor support, local referrals, and follow-up resources.
1-800-843-5200Call, text, or chat
The Trevor Project
Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Text START to 678-678 or use TrevorChat online.
1-866-488-7386Call or text
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use concerns.
1-800-662-4357Warning signs
Signs a teen may need immediate help
One sign alone does not always mean crisis — but several together, or any mention of suicide or self-harm, warrants action. Trust your instincts and reach out to 988 or 911 when safety is uncertain.
For parents
- Talking about wanting to die, disappear, or hurt themselves
- Searching online for methods of suicide or self-harm
- Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye
- Sudden withdrawal from friends, school, or activities they once enjoyed
- Extreme mood swings, rage, or hopelessness that feels new or intense
- Increased substance use or reckless behavior
- Sleeping much more or much less; significant appetite changes
- Self-injury (cutting, burning) or evidence of recent self-harm
For teens
- Thoughts that you would be better off dead or that others would be better without you
- Feeling trapped, like there is no way out of pain
- Urges to hurt yourself that feel hard to control
- Feeling numb, empty, or disconnected from people you care about
- Panic that won't stop, or feeling like you might lose control
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings you can't name
- Not wanting to wake up — or making plans to end your life
Scope of care
When virtual IOP and outpatient care are — and are not — the right fit
Our programs serve California teens ages 12–17 who can safely participate in structured virtual care at home. A free consultation helps determine clinical fit — but emergency needs always come first.
Step 1 · Emergency first
Call 911 or 988 when
- Your teen has a plan or intent to attempt suicide
- Active self-harm that requires medical attention
- Overdose or suspected poisoning
- Psychosis, severe agitation, or inability to ensure safety at home
- You are afraid to leave your teen alone
After immediate safety is addressed
Step 2 · Structured support
Virtual IOP or outpatient may fit when
- 01Your teen is stable enough for scheduled sessions at home
- 02A clinician or ER has cleared them for outpatient-level care after a crisis
- 03Symptoms need structured support — IOP or outpatient — not 24/7 monitoring
- 04You want coordinated CBT, DBT skills, family therapy, and safety planning
- 05Your family is in California and can support a consistent virtual schedule
Step 3 · When clinically appropriate
After the crisis: we can help with the next step
When your teen is safe and outpatient care is clinically appropriate, our virtual IOP and outpatient programs provide structured support — safety planning, family sessions, and evidence-based therapy across California. Start with a free, confidential consultation.
FAQ
Common questions
Answers about emergency care, crisis lines, and when virtual IOP or outpatient treatment is appropriate — not a substitute for professional assessment.
Call 911 when there is a medical emergency, active self-harm requiring immediate attention, overdose, or you cannot keep your teen safe. Call or text 988 when your teen is in emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts but you need crisis counseling and guidance on next steps. When in doubt about safety, 911 is appropriate.
No. Virtual IOP and outpatient programs are for teens who are stable enough for scheduled care at home. Emergency departments, inpatient units, and mobile crisis teams address immediate safety and medical stabilization. After that, virtual IOP may be a step-down or alternative when clinically appropriate.
Ask directly and calmly whether they have thoughts of hurting themselves or not wanting to be alive — asking does not increase risk and shows you take them seriously. If they disclose any plan or intent, call 988 or 911. You can also text HOME to 741741 together if they prefer texting.
Most crisis lines are confidential. Counselors may involve emergency services if someone is at imminent risk and location is known — that is to keep people safe. Read each service's privacy policy if your teen has specific confidentiality concerns.
Contact us for a free consultation when your teen is not in immediate danger and you are exploring structured virtual IOP or outpatient care. If your teen is in crisis, use 988 or 911 first. We can coordinate with you after emergency needs are addressed and a clinician confirms outpatient-level care is appropriate.
Non-emergency support for California teens
When your teen is safe and ready for structured virtual care, book a free consultation. We verify insurance, explain IOP and outpatient options, and help your family understand the next step.