IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE EXPERIENCING A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR HELP. 

Emergency/911

If someone needs help right away and/or there is an immediate danger, please call 911.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 is a free, three-digit phone number that connects you to a trained crisis counselor via phone, text, or online chat. Crisis counselors are available 24/7 to support those thinking about suicide, concerned about substance use, worried about a loved one, in need of emotional support, and more.

Their trained crisis counselors can provide support for:

• People experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• People concerned about someone else experiencing emotional crisis
• People dealing with emotional stress for any number of reasons, for example:
• Depression or anxiety
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness
• Trauma
• Mental health conditions and symptoms
• Economic or relationship worries
• Abuse
• Worries about drug or alcohol use

If you’re unsure whether 988 fits your circumstances, you’re still welcome to call. Crisis counselors can work with you to find the right resource.

Crisis Line

For mental health and substance use disorder support 24 hours a day, please call the Crisis Line at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).

The Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. Their staff can help you determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and can link you to the appropriate services.

King County Crisis Line

Involuntary Treatment

Under Washington State Law, an individual can be detained and hospitalized for involuntary treatment:

• When a person is at risk of harming him/herself or another person

AND/OR

 • When the person’s mental illness is so severe that his/her physical health is being negatively impacted.

Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs)

Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs), employed by the county, are mental health professionals who are specially trained and statutorily empowered to evaluate people with behavioral health disorders for involuntary detention in psychiatric facilities according to the State of Washington law. The law for adults is  RCW 71.05. For youth 13 through 17 years of age the law is  RCW 71.34.Under current legislation, a law enforcement officer cannot detain an individual for behavioral health treatment.

To request an evaluation for involuntary hospitalization, contact the DCRs. King County Crisis and Commitment Services: 206-263-9200

Non-urgent behavioral health needs

If your situation is not an urgent crisis, you may consider doing one of the following:

• If you are already seeing a mental health professional contact that professional and ask for his/her assistance or support.
• If you are not seeing a mental health professional, you may wish to contact your primary care provider to request support and referral to services. Service information and referrals are also available by contacting the Crisis Line at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).