Established clients in need of an urgent mental health consultation can call, text, or email me to alert me to their situation. I am often able to provide a brief telephone consultation and then arrange for a timely, face-to-face or Telehealth video-conference appointment to address an urgent concern. That said, I am not always readily available to respond to urgent concerns, and if I do not respond to an urgent message quickly enough clients may also seek urgent support and guidance by calling a mental health hotline. Note, however, that if the situation is a life-threatening emergency or crisis requiring immediate attention clients should seek help by going to a hospital emergency room or by calling 911.
San Diego Access & Crisis Line, 888-724-7240. The Access & Crisis Line (ACL) offers free and confidential telephone consultations 24 hours/7 days. The consultations provide aid relating to suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and alcohol and drug support services, and also offer information about community resources. The ACL is staffed by especially trained, licensed clinicians. Consultations are also available via online chat on weekdays from 4-10 pm. Follow this link to learn more.
California local and county mental health crisis intervention numbers. This webpage provides detailed information about mental health resources in California, including a list of mental health hotlines. Follow this link to learn more.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 or 800-273-8255. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential telephone consultations 24 hours/7 days, providing emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or in emotional distress. Follow this link to learn more.
Lyra Health Crisis Support Line, 877-505-7147. Clients receiving services through Lyra Health can call the Lyra support line 24 hours/7days for a telephone consultation offered by a licensed clinician. The clinician can offer guidance and help with coping strategies.
UCSD Counseling & Psychological Services 24-hour Crisis Counseling line, 858-534-3755 (option 2). Follow this link to learn more about the UCSD CAPS After-Hours Crisis Counseling service available to UCSD students.
Steve Sprinkle, PhD 