When someone you love is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say or where to turn. This guide shares national and local Arlington-Alexandria mental health resources for people experiencing a crisis, as well as for parents, caregivers, and friends who are concerned about someone they love.
Need help now?
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental-health or substance-use crisis, or emotional distress — or for anyone worried about a loved one. You can also chat online.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mental health resources in Arlington-Alexandria
In addition to 988, there is local support available in Arlington-Alexandria for people experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide.
County crisis line or mobile crisis team
- Arlington
- Phone: 703-228-5160 (Emergency Mental Health)
- Phone: 844-627-4747 (CR2 Mobile Crisis)
- Arlington County Emergency Mental Health
- Alexandria
- Phone: 703-746-3401 (Alexandria Emergency Services)
- Phone: 844-627-4747 (CR2 Mobile Crisis for Youth)
- Alexandria 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services
Our local mental health & behavioral-health agencies
- Arlington
- Phone: 703-228-1560 (Same-day access/ Intake)
- Arlington County Behavioral Healthcare
- Alexandria
- City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) – Center for Adult Services / Children's Behavioral Health: 703-746-3500 (DCHS Main Intake) /
- Phone: 703-746-3401 (24/7 Crisis)
- Alexandria Adult Behavioral Health Services
NAMI Northern Virginia
Phone: 571-458-7310
Arlington Public Schools (APS) Student Services & Counseling
Phone: 703-228-6041
APS School Counseling & Student Services
Alexandria Public Schools (ACPS) Student Services & Counseling
Phone: 703-619-8000
ACPS School Counseling Directory
Virginia Hospital Center (VHC Health)
- Phone: 703-558-0500
- VHC Health Emergency Department
Inova Alexandria Hospital
- Phone: 703-504-3066
- Inova Alexandria Hospital Emergency Services
If your child tells you they may hurt themselves, be sure to call emergency services immediately.
Hearing this can feel frightening, but you do not have to handle it alone. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and thank your child for telling you. It is OK to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Take every statement, note, or threat seriously.
- Stay with your child if you believe they may be in immediate danger.
- Help make the environment safer by securing medications, firearms, and other potentially dangerous items.
- Call or text 988 together for immediate guidance and support.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is immediate danger.
- Follow up with a pediatrician, therapist, school counselor, or other qualified mental-health professional for continued support.
How to support someone you are worried about
You don't need the perfect words. A caring, direct conversation can be an important first step. Listen without judgment and let them share what they are feeling.
- Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide.
- Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret.
- Help connect them with support, including 988, a trusted adult, or a mental-health professional.
- Check in again after the conversation.
For more guidance, read the National Institute of Mental Health’s 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide.
Small acts of care and connection matter. Reach out, listen, and remind the people you love that they are not alone and help is available.
For more information about warning signs and how to help someone in crisis, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the National Institute of Mental Health.
