How to Help Someone in a Mental Health Crisis in West Virginia

When someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, knowing what to do can save their life. This guide provides practical steps for family members and friends in Southern West Virginia.

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis occurs when someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, or is unable to care for their basic needs. Warning signs include:

Immediate Danger Signs:

• Talking about suicide or wanting to die
• Looking for ways to kill themselves (searching online, obtaining weapons or pills)
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Expressing extreme emotional pain or feeling trapped
• Threatening to hurt themselves or others
• Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior

Severe Behavioral Changes:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Dramatic mood swings
• Inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Giving away prized possessions
• Saying goodbye to loved ones as if they won’t be seen again
• Increased substance use
• Extreme agitation or violent behavior

Psychotic Symptoms:

• Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t
• Paranoid beliefs that put them at risk
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Inability to distinguish reality from delusion

Immediate Steps to Take

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• Remove access to weapons, medications, or other means of self-harm
• Don’t leave the person alone if they’re at immediate risk
• Stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone
• Avoid arguing or challenging delusional beliefs

Step 2: Contact Crisis Services

For Immediate Psychiatric Crisis:

• SHCMHC 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-800-615-0122
• National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• WV Crisis Line: 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498)

When to Call 911:

• Person has a weapon and is threatening violence
• Person has already harmed themselves
• Person is violent and cannot be safely transported
• Medical emergency (overdose, seizure, severe injury)

Step 3: Provide Information

When speaking with crisis professionals, share:

• What behaviors you’re observing
• Any recent stressors or triggers
• Current medications
• History of mental health treatment
• Substance use
• Whether they have access to weapons

What Happens at SHCMHC’s Crisis Stabilization Unit

Our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in Princeton provides immediate psychiatric care without an appointment.

Upon Arrival:

1. Psychiatric Evaluation - A licensed clinician assesses safety, symptoms, and immediate needs (30-60 minutes)
2. Medical Screening - Vital signs, medication review, substance use screening
3. Safety Planning - Collaborative plan to reduce immediate risk
4. Treatment Options - May include:
   • Short-term crisis stabilization (up to 23 hours)
   • Medication management
   • Connection to outpatient services
   • Referral to inpatient psychiatric hospital if needed

What to Bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card (Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance)
• List of current medications
• Contact information for current providers

Important: As a CCBHC, we cannot turn anyone away due to inability to pay or lack of insurance.

Crisis vs. Emergency: Understanding the Difference

Situation	Call SHCMHC Crisis Line (1-800-615-0122)	Call 911
Suicidal thoughts without immediate plan	✓
Severe depression or anxiety	✓
Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)	✓
Medication side effects or concerns	✓
Person has weapon and is threatening violence		✓
Overdose or medical emergency		✓
Person has already harmed themselves		✓
Violent behavior that cannot be safely managed		✓

Supporting Someone After a Crisis

Follow-Up Care is Critical:

• Attend scheduled appointments (we can schedule before discharge)
• Ensure medications are filled and taken as prescribed
• Remove ongoing access to lethal means
• Watch for warning signs of another crisis
• Encourage connection with support groups

Family Support Resources:

• NAMI West Virginia Family Support Groups
• SHCMHC Family Education Programs
• Peer Recovery Support Services

Special Considerations for Rural West Virginia

Transportation Challenges:

• If you cannot safely transport someone in crisis, call our crisis line - we can arrange transport
• Law enforcement can provide emergency transport if needed
• Some counties have mobile crisis teams

Distance to Services:

• Our CSU is the closest 24/7 psychiatric crisis service for Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties
• The nearest psychiatric hospital is in Beckley (45-90 minutes depending on location)
• We can stabilize most crises without hospital admission

Insurance in Rural WV:

• Most residents have WV Medicaid (Mountain Health Trust) - fully covered
• Medicare Part B covers crisis services
• Private insurance accepted
• Sliding scale fees for uninsured

What NOT to Do During a Crisis

❌ Don’t minimize their feelings - “You have so much to live for” can feel dismissive
❌ Don’t leave them alone - If they’re at immediate risk, stay with them
❌ Don’t argue about whether suicide is right or wrong - Focus on safety, not morality
❌ Don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret - Their safety comes first
❌ Don’t try to handle a violent crisis alone - Call 911 if you feel unsafe

Long-Term Prevention

Build a Crisis Plan Before Crisis Happens:

• Identify warning signs specific to your loved one
• List crisis contacts (SHCMHC, 988, trusted friends/family)
• Document medications and providers
• Discuss preferences for crisis care when they’re stable
• Remove or secure lethal means (firearms, medications)

Connect to Ongoing Care:

• Regular therapy appointments reduce crisis frequency
• Medication management prevents symptom escalation
• Peer support provides hope and accountability
• Family therapy improves communication and support

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will they be hospitalized against their will?
A: Involuntary hospitalization only occurs if someone is an imminent danger to themselves or others and refuses voluntary treatment. Most crisis visits result in outpatient follow-up, not hospitalization.

Q: How long does crisis stabilization take?
A: Initial evaluation takes 30-60 minutes. Crisis stabilization can last up to 23 hours if needed, but many people are discharged sooner with a safety plan and follow-up appointments.

Q: What if they refuse help?
A: If they’re at immediate risk, call 911 or our crisis line. In West Virginia, law enforcement can initiate an emergency evaluation if someone is a danger to themselves or others.

Q: Will this go on their permanent record?
A: Mental health treatment is confidential and protected by HIPAA. It does not appear on background checks or employment records.

Q: Does insurance cover crisis services?
A: Yes. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance all cover crisis stabilization. As a CCBHC, we cannot deny services due to inability to pay.

Crisis Resources for Southern West Virginia

SHCMHC 24/7 Crisis Line
Phone: 1-800-615-0122
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

National Crisis Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1

Local Emergency:

• Mercer County 911
• McDowell County 911
• Wyoming County 911

You Are Not Alone

Helping someone in a mental health crisis is overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our crisis team has responded to thousands of mental health emergencies in Southern West Virginia and is available 24/7 to support you and your loved one.

If you’re unsure whether it’s a crisis, call us anyway. It’s always better to reach out and be told it can wait than to wait and have the situation escalate.

---

For immediate crisis support, call SHCMHC’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-800-615-0122 or the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.