Crisis help
If someone needs help right now
What happens when you call 988
A counselor answers, listens, and asks a few questions about what is going on and whether anyone is in danger. Many calls end with the counselor helping you through the moment and making a plan over the phone.
When an in-person visit would help, the counselor can send a mobile crisis team. Fresh Nu Beginnings runs one of the mobile crisis teams in Virginia's crisis system.
When our mobile team comes out
- We come to you. At home, at school, at work or wherever you are. Virginia's standard is to arrive within an hour of dispatch.
- We listen first. Two trained staff talk with the person and anyone with them, and help things settle.
- We check safety. Together we decide whether the person can stay home safely or needs a higher level of care.
- We plan the next few days. A written safety plan, plus follow-up through Community Stabilization or another service.
Helping someone else
You do not need the person's permission to call 988 for advice. Stay with them if you can. Remove anything they could use to hurt themselves. Speak calmly and let them know help is coming.
After the crisis
The weeks after a crisis are when people most need support. If you or your family member had a crisis visit, call our office and we will help set up stabilization visits, therapy or a day program.