Crisis hotlines are often non-profit organizations catered to provide immediate, temporary relief to those in crises. Some of the common ones include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. There are typically several other chapters locally within one’s metroplex which are catered to serve within a specific geographic area. If you haven’t called a crisis hotline before, what happens when you do call one? Read on below to find out more about what to expect if you ever pick up the phone and have to call for guidance, support, or assistance.
Assessment
When you first call a crisis hotline, you will of course be asked to share your demographic information, such as name, address, phone number, etc. Afterward, you may be assessed for several different factors. One of the primary things included here would be asking you a series of questions to determine if you are safe. Safety can be analyzed according to asking about suicidality or if you feel safe in your home. In the event that you are unsafe due to being in close proximity to a perpetrator, you will be asked a series of close-ended questions so you are not required to speak in detailed sentences where the abuser can figure out that you are trying to seek help. If you are unsafe for reasons of feeling suicidal, you will be asked whether or not you have a plan or if you have access to any means to implement your thought-out strategy. If the hotline representative seems that you are unsafe, he or she will assist you in determining an immediate way to bring you to safety.
Safety Plan
A safety plan is something we very frequently create, implement, and utilize in therapy. The purpose of a safety plan, quite like it sounds, is to ensure there is a plan in place to keep you safe in times of heightened stress. Safety plans include sections for you to recognize your internal triggers, external triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and people you can trust and rely on to speak to for help.
Referrals
When you call a crisis hotline, you will be given some referrals within your zipcode to utilize in supporting you going forward. If the hotline representative feels that you should be referred for a mental health assessment due to alcoholism or substance abuse for example, you will receive referrals for different places in your area which provide this service and assistance. You may also be provided with information on domestic violence shelters if you’re in an abusive relationship or mobile crisis units if you’re at risk of harming yourself.
At Niyyah Counseling, we are experienced in working with a variety of populations, and each one of our therapists has a specialty which can be geared toward working with you and your specific needs. If you make the decision to seek therapy with us, we also will assess your safety and any other immediate concerns in the initial session. Whether you decide to call a crisis hotline or come to us for support, know that you will receive the support you need along the way.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - (800) 273-8255
National Sexual Assault Hotline - (800) 656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline - (800) 799-7233