A mental health crisis can look like many things — a panic attack that won’t stop, thoughts of suicide, a psychotic break, someone in your family who has stopped eating and won’t leave their room. Knowing what resources exist before a crisis hits — and what to expect from each option — can be the difference between getting the right help and ending up in a system that makes things worse. This guide explains NYC’s mental health crisis options, who to call, and what happens when you do.
First: Know Your Options Before Calling 911
In many mental health crises, calling 911 is not the best first step. Police responses to mental health calls have led to unnecessary hospitalizations, trauma, and — in tragic cases — injury or death. NYC has invested in alternatives specifically designed for mental health emergencies. Understanding these options gives you more control over what happens.
NYC Well: 24/7 Crisis Counseling
For many crises that don’t involve immediate physical danger, NYC Well is the best first call.
- Call: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) — 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Text: “WELL” to 65173
- Chat: nycwell.cityofnewyork.us
NYC Well counselors are trained in crisis de-escalation and can talk you or your loved one through the immediate moment. They can also dispatch a mobile crisis team to your location without police involvement if the situation warrants it.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline replaced the previous 10-digit number and is now active nationwide. Dial or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Available 24/7. In NYC, 988 calls are routed to local crisis centers. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone who is, 988 is a direct line to help.
NYC Mobile Crisis Teams
NYC funds Mobile Crisis Teams (MCTs) — teams of mental health professionals who respond to mental health crises in the community, typically without police. MCTs can come to your home, a public space, or wherever the person in crisis is located.
- Request a mobile crisis team through NYC Well at 1-888-NYC-WELL
- MCTs are available throughout all five boroughs, though availability and response times vary
- MCT responders can assess the situation, provide on-site support, connect to services, and help determine if hospitalization is needed — without defaulting to police or emergency rooms
B-HEARD: Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division
NYC launched B-HEARD as an alternative first response for mental health 911 calls in select neighborhoods. When a 911 call is flagged as a mental health concern (no weapons, no violence), B-HEARD dispatches a team of mental health professionals and emergency medical technicians instead of police.
B-HEARD is currently operating in specific precincts and expanding. If you call 911 for a mental health emergency in a B-HEARD coverage area, the dispatcher may route to B-HEARD. You can also specifically request a non-police mental health response when calling 911.
Support and Connection Centers (SCCs)
NYC operates Support and Connection Centers as an alternative to emergency room visits for people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. These are walk-in or referral-based facilities providing short-term stabilization care in a non-clinical, non-police environment.
- East Harlem Support and Connection Center: Operated by Project Renewal at 12 East 125th Street — accepts walk-ins
- Stays are up to five days, providing more personalized care than an emergency room
- No involuntary holds — you can leave voluntarily
- Contact NYC Well for referral and current SCC availability
NYC Emergency Psychiatric Services (Hospital Emergency Rooms)
If the situation involves imminent danger to life — someone is actively attempting suicide, is severely psychotic and at immediate risk, or has harmed themselves — call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. NYC Health + Hospitals emergency departments all have psychiatric emergency services available 24/7.
Major H+H psychiatric emergency facilities:
- Bellevue Hospital Center: 462 First Avenue, Manhattan — (212) 562-4141
- Kings County Hospital: 451 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn — (718) 245-3131
- Elmhurst Hospital: 79-01 Broadway, Queens — (718) 334-4000
- Lincoln Hospital: 234 East 149th Street, Bronx — (718) 579-5000
- Richmond University Medical Center: 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island — (718) 818-1234
Understanding Psychiatric Holds: Your Rights
If a clinician determines that you are an imminent danger to yourself or others, they can initiate an involuntary psychiatric hold — admitting you to a psychiatric facility without your consent. In New York, an initial emergency hold (“9.39 hold”) can be made by a physician and lasts up to 72 hours. After that, further detention requires a formal process. Key rights:
- You have the right to know why you are being held
- You have the right to an attorney — if you can’t afford one, Legal Aid Society can provide representation: (212) 577-3300
- You have the right to refuse medication except in an emergency or with a court order
- You have the right to communicate with family or a designated person
- You have the right to the least restrictive level of care appropriate to your condition
For a full guide to involuntary holds and Kendra’s Law, see our involuntary hold guide.
Crisis Resources by Population
- Suicidal thoughts: 988 (call or text) | NYC Well 1-888-NYC-WELL | Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
- Domestic violence crisis: NYC Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621-HOPE (4673) | Safe Horizon (212) 227-3000
- LGBTQ+ youth crisis: The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 | text START to 678-678
- Veterans crisis: Veterans Crisis Line — dial 988 then press 1 | text 838255
- Substance use crisis: NYC DOHMH Opioid Hotline (888) 694-3577 | see our substance use treatment guide
- Sexual assault crisis: RAINN Hotline 1-800-656-4673 | NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault (212) 229-0345
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call 911 or NYC Well for a mental health crisis?
For situations with no immediate physical danger, call NYC Well first (1-888-NYC-WELL). They can dispatch a mobile crisis team without police. For situations involving weapons, active violence, or immediate life-threatening danger, call 911. When in doubt, calling NYC Well first gives you more options — they can help you decide whether 911 is the right step.
If I call 988, will police be sent to my location?
988 counselors aim to resolve crises by phone without dispatching any emergency services. In rare situations where an imminent threat to life is established and cannot be resolved by phone, counselors may contact emergency services as a last resort. However, the default approach is to de-escalate by phone. You can tell the counselor at the start of the call that you do not want police involvement.
My family member is in a mental health crisis but refuses help. What can I do?
Call NYC Well — counselors can advise you on how to support a person who is refusing help and can describe the options available to you. If the person is an imminent danger to themselves or others, a family member or clinician can petition for an involuntary evaluation. Contact Legal Aid Society if you need guidance on this process: (212) 577-3300.
Will I be arrested if I call for mental health help?
Calling NYC Well, 988, or a mobile crisis team does not result in arrest. Even calling 911 for a mental health emergency where no crime is involved should not result in arrest. If you were arrested during a mental health crisis, contact Legal Aid Society’s criminal defense unit.
