Mental Health Emergencies

Reaching out for help when needed is crucial. Do not worry alone. The following information is designed to serve as a guide whether you have a serious concern for your own safety or for someone you care about. 

Emergencies During Regular Office Hours:  Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

Contact the CMHS front desk at 617-627-3360 and tell them it is an emergency.

After-Hours Emergencies: Weekends and Mon–Fri, 5pm–9am

For mental health crises when CMHS is closed, call the Counselor on Call by dialing CMHS at 617-627-3360 and following the prompts.

Mental health emergencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Thoughts of suicide
• Suicidal intentions, making suicidal statements, or suicide attempts
• Impulses to hurt yourself
• Severe mental confusion or disorientation
• Incoherent or disjointed speech
• A loss of contact with reality, including hearing or seeing things that are not there and/or ideas or beliefs that are not realistic
• Extreme panic
• Demonstrated inability to care for oneself
• Have just been a victim of violence or assault

If someone you know says they are feeling suicidal:

• Do not leave the person alone
• Take any reference to suicide seriously
• Get help right away