Prepare for a mental health emergency
Seeing our child in a mental health emergency is the last thing any of us wants to think about. But, should a worst-case scenario happen, we want you and your family to be prepared.
We don’t always know that crisis is imminent
It’s not always easy to see the cues, and sometimes there seems to be no warning at all. Some families will never have sought emergency help while other families may have already faced crises and had to call 911 or bring their child to a hospital emergency department.
If you are concerned that an emergency regarding your child’s mental health is possible, it is better to be prepared. That way, if you find yourself and your child in a mental health emergency, you will be empowered to respond.
We created this page to help your family know:
How to prepare for a hospital visit
What to expect if you go to a hospital
When to call 911
There are many reasons why you might call 911.
The following is a partial list of the primary mental health and psychological emergencies that 911, police, and emergency medical services handle.
Suicidal behavior. When there is evidence of intent or an immediate risk of suicide.
Self-harming behavior. When there is evidence of intent or an immediate risk of physical harm.
Strange, unusual or disorganized behavior. When there is behavior that may be dangerous or the result of a medical emergency or health problem.
Violent behavior. When there has been violence or there is evidence of an immediate risk of violence.
An important note
When parents or caregivers call 911 or the police in regards to their children, it’s important to know there are limits of what police and other officials can do. In some cases, police and/ or a mental health worker will respond and do their own assessment. Unless there is imminent risk of harm to self or others or the child/youth is unable to care for themselves, authorities may be powerless to make the child go to the hospital if they do not want to go.
“Call 911 if your safety or the child’s safety is an imminent risk. A mental health worker may come and do an assessment. They will come and help settle the situation and implement strategies until the child can get more help. Calling 911 doesn’t always mean the child will be brought to the hospital, but it can help calm the crisis situation and lead to outpatient services” – Dana Suckel, Supervisor, Crisis Services, St. Leonard’s Community Services.
If you don’t want to call police, a local crisis line may be able help. They can try to help de-escalate the situation and give problem solving skills that can used immediately. If a youth is the one who calls, the crisis worker can help calm them and move into safety planning. If a family member calls, the crisis worker can give the family advice on whether to call police or hospital. Find a crisis line in your community.
Prepare for a hospital visit
If you are concerned that an emergency regarding your child’s mental health is possible, it is better to be prepared. That way, if you find yourself and your child in a mental health emergency, you will be empowered to respond.
Your experience may vary depending on the hospital you visit and the situation. This is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect.
- Hospital triage will determine the urgency of the situation.
- There may be a wait time or your child/youth may be escorted to a safe room (an empty room, sometimes with cameras to watch the child/youth for safety reasons).
- If this was a police escort, police will need to stay until the doctor has seen your child/youth.
- A psychiatric team member will talk to your child/youth for further assessment.
- You may or may not be given an opportunity to provide background information. The best way to deal with this is to have written notes that you can pass on to the team.
- An assessment and follow-up may take several hours as an on-call psychiatrist or your child/youth’s own psychiatrist may need to be contacted.
- Discharge with care advice or admission to hospital will be the final step. Have a list of questions ready for this so that you can ensure that your concerns are addressed and a plan is clear moving forward.
Understanding The Mental Health Act Forms: There are 4 different forms that can be used in a medical setting that can override the patient’s consent to treatment and ensure that the patient undergoes a psychiatric assessment. Read more about these important forms.
Tips to help you prepare
- Keep a list of your name, relationship to the child/youth, medications or list of medications, phone #, etc in a well-marked envelope. This list can be handed to police, paramedics, nurses, etc. It’s helpful to keep a copy in your vehicle, near your phone or in a safe place that can be easily accessed. You can put it in an envelope that will also help you keep any documentation from the hospital safe.
- If possible, bring all medications with you.
- If you have time, jot down your main concerns and what was happening that caused you to come to emergency – in the case of teens this can be passed on to the team if they do not want you involved. This may also assist with not having to repeat the story multiple times during each step of triage and assessment.
- Keep an updated copy of your family Safety Plan.
- If possible, bring water and a nut-free snack for you and your child/youth.
Personal Information Sheets: We have created these sheets or you to download. You can fill out the information, print these documents, and save them in a convenient place. That way, if you have an emergency and go to a hospital, you can share this helpful information with emergency officials. Download our Emergency Personal Information Sheet
More resources
Crisis services are available through child and youth mental health centres. Here, you can expect 24/7 crisis support services for child and youth mental health. If you are in a crisis, you can also call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.
Find your closest child and youth mental health centre.