Crisis support and resources: Member guide
When it matters most, there’s help.
If you or a loved one are in crisis, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. From substance use to thoughts of suicide — there are people ready to provide immediate help.
This guide is meant to connect you to resources and real-time support based on your situation. Each is completely confidential and available at no additional charge.
- More than 5% of U.S. adults have experienced serious thoughts of suicide1
- 18% of U.S. adults had a substance use disorder in the past year1
- 1 in 5 youth had at least 1 major depressive episode in the past year1
If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Suicide prevention support
Suicide is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life. But many people who are contemplating suicide feel too ashamed to reach out for help. And their loved ones don’t know how to help or what to say.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or any kind of emotional distress, you have access to confidential support from a trained crisis counselor.
Common signs of concern may include:
- Thinking or talking about death or suicide
- Drastic changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Talking about feeling unworthy, helpless or hopeless
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7 with interpretation services for 150 languages.
Call or text: 988
Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org
Substance use support
If you or a loved one are using alcohol, drugs or medications in an unsafe way, contact a specialized substance use recovery advocate. They provide anonymous, confidential support, guidance on treatment options, help finding a network provider and answers to your questions — including concerns about your personal health or care for a family member, coverage, cost of care and more.
Common signs of concern include:
- Changes in appearance, including a lack of hygiene
- Mood swings or unexplained personality changes
- Feelings of shame or regret
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Risk of financial loss
- Risk of physical danger
- Sudden changes in friends
Substance Use Helpline
Free, anonymous, confidential and available 24/7.
Call: 1-855-780-5955, TTY 711
Domestic violence support
Everyone deserves healthy relationships. And while leaving an abusive relationship is a highly personal decision, there is support on the path to finding safety.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, caring advocates are available to discuss your situation and help create a personalized safety plan that’s right for you. Or if you’re calling on behalf of a loved one, an advocate can help you identify ways to help.
Common signs of an abusive partner:
- Criticizing, insulting, demeaning or shaming, especially in front of others
- Intimidating through threatening looks or actions
- Extreme jealousy and discouraging time spent with others
- Control over decisions, including work, school or finances
- Pressuring to use drugs or alcohol, or perform sexual acts
- Threatening to harm or take away children or pets
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, anonymous, confidential and available 24/7.
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Chat: thehotline.org
Youth and teen support
As a parent or caregiver, providing care for your child’s mental health — as well as your own — may be one of the most important things you can do. Here are some helpful support resources.
Suicide prevention
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7 with interpretation services available in 150 languages.
Call or text: 988
Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org
Trevor Project
24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention
tailored to young people aged 13–24 who identify as LGBTQ+.
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678-678
Chat: Get connected
Mental health support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen & Young Adult Helpline
Offers a direct connection with another young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared
to offer information, resources and support. Available Monday–Friday, 10 am–10 pm ET.
Call: 1-800-950-6264
Text: FRIEND to 62640
Teen Line
Provides support, resources and hope to young people through a hotline of professionally trained
teen counselors, and outreach programs that destigmatize and normalize mental health.
Call: 1-800-852-8336, 6 pm–10 pm PT
Text: TEEN to 839863, 6 pm–9 pm PT
Jed Foundation
Resources to help teens and young adults manage emotional health and overcome challenges.
Learn more
It can be challenging to navigate care for mental health and/or substance use.
To find mental health providers, search "mental health" or "virtual mental health" in the Surest app or on the website. To better understand the resources available through the Surest plan, visit the mental health member guide.
Military and veterans support
If you’re a veteran in crisis, or if you’re concerned about a veteran in your life, there are a number of resources available to you.
Veterans Crisis Line
24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones.
Enrollment in the VA is not required to access these resources. Learn more
Call: 988 then press 1
Text: 838255
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Support for veterans in crisis, access to prevention, support and data for veterans. Learn more
Local Suicide Prevention Teams
Search local resources and support systems.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Help can also be found by calling the national military survivor helpline. Available 24/7.
Call: 800-959-8277
Lethal Means Safety and Suicide Prevention
The VA Keep It Secure program promotes awareness about the simple steps you can take to reduce access to guns, medications and more.
More support for you and your family
Here are some additional resources to help you confidently connect with the right support at the right time.
Crisis preparedness form
In a crisis, it helps to have key info ready. Take a moment to fill this out for yourself or a loved one, then save it to your phone, computer, or print it.
Crisis wallet card
Print this wallet-size card and keep on hand. It’s got numbers for—and info on—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Emergency Services.
Mental Health Crisis Support Decision Guide
Find mental health support for a wide range of situations, from stress and anxiety to depression and chronic illness. Print or save this flyer to use as a quick reference guide.
Personalized crisis plan
This website helps you create a safety plan for crisis situations. Identify personal warning signs, coping strategies and sources of support to help keep yourself safe.
© 2016 - 2025 Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
This content is not medical advice. You should always consult with your health care professional.
1. The State of Mental Health in America. https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf.