Orange County mental health
Orange County crisis resources: Where to go when you need help now
When you or someone you love is in crisis, you need to know exactly where to call, where to go, and what to expect. This page lists every crisis resource available in Orange County.
Phone lines
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7. Connects you with trained crisis counselors. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
OC Crisis Assessment Team: (800) 723-8641. Available 24/7. OC's behavioral health crisis line provides assessment, intervention, and connection to services. For both mental health and substance use crises.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Free, confidential text-based crisis support 24/7.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral service.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 then press 1. Or text 838255. For veterans, service members, and their families.
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386. Or text START to 678-678.
Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773. Text support also available.
In-person crisis services
Emergency departments at all OC hospitals provide psychiatric emergency services. If someone is a danger to themselves or others, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. The OC Health Care Agency operates crisis stabilization services that provide short-term crisis intervention without a full ER visit. Call (800) 723-8641 for current locations and availability.
What to expect when you call
A trained counselor answers. They will ask about your current situation, your safety, and what brought you to call. They are not police and will not send police unless there is an immediate threat to life. They will help you develop a safety plan and connect you with appropriate services. If you are calling about someone else, they can guide you on how to help.
Helping someone in crisis
Stay with them. Listen without judgment. Ask directly: are you thinking about suicide? (Asking does not increase risk; it reduces it.) Remove access to means if possible (firearms, medications). Call 988, (800) 723-8641, or 911. Do not leave them alone until professional help arrives.
OC crisis lines
988 Lifeline: call/text 988 | OC Crisis: (800) 723-8641 | Directory