Suicide Prevention
Help for yourself
If you’re struggling with your mental health, are in crisis, or are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we’re here for you. Please know that you’re not alone, and that there are safe, supportive, free, and confidential resources for you, right now.
If you need immediate support
Helpline: If you (or someone you care about) is in emotional distress or in a mental health crisis, you can call the Helpline at 951-686-HELP (4357).
The Helpline is confidential, staffed by trained professionals, and available 24/7 in English, Spanish, and other languages. You can get help on the phone, get connected to mental health urgent care, or even have staff come to you if you need it. You can also choose to remain anonymous.
988: You can call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It’s confidential and available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Trained counselors provide emotional support to people in crisis and can also connect you to resources.
911: If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
If you need in-person support in Riverside County
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need counseling, nursing, or psychiatric medications, you can call or go straight to a Riverside County Mental Health Urgent Care location (find locations here).
They’re open 24/7 and no appointment is needed. Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, services are available to all regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
What to expect when you reach out
Whether you call or text a support line, you can choose to remain anonymous. Only answer questions you feel comfortable answering. Trained counselors who speak English, Spanish, and other languages are there to listen and help. They’re available 24/7 at no cost to you. You can walk in or call to see Mental Health Urgent Care. No appointments are necessary.
Trained counselors, nurses, and medical professionals will support you, your child, or family members. All services are voluntary and will be provided regardless of your insurance or ability to pay.
We all play a role in suicide prevention
Whether it’s knowing and looking out for warning signs, reaching out and starting a conversation, or helping a friend or loved one get immediate assistance, we all can play a role in helping prevent suicide. Remember, specifically talking about suicide doesn’t plant the idea in their head. The person you’re concerned about may even be relieved you asked.
Asking about their feelings and intentions can be an important first step. Here are some actions we can all take.
Know the warning signs
Below may be some signs someone is thinking about suicide. If you or someone you know is showing these warning signs, or if the behaviors are new, have increased, or are following a significant or painful life event, get help immediately.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill or harm themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or other substances
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Get immediate help
If they tell you they are suicidal, stay with them, listen to them, and take them seriously. Help them get immediate support. You can:
- Call the Helpline together at 951-686-HELP (4357). Free, confidential crisis intervention hotline that can also help you access other mental health services in Riverside County. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish
- Call 988, the National Crisis Line, 24/7 for free, confidential help in English and Spanish
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if emergency medical care is needed.
Reach out and ask directly
If you’re concerned about someone, reach out to them. Even if they shut you down, be persistent and continue to check in. Let them know you care. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide, and be prepared to get them connected to help if they are. You can start the conversation by saying:
- “I’m worried about you. You haven’t seemed like yourself lately.”
- “It seems like something is bothering you. Do you want to talk? I’m here for you.”
- “I care about you. I need to ask, are you thinking about ending your life?”
- “I care about you and I’m here to listen and help. Are you thinking about suicide?”
Be their connector and everyday support
Suicide prevention doesn’t just happen during a crisis — it also takes the form of support before and after a crisis. You can be that trusted, safe person who connects them to the help they need.
If you are concerned about the safety of a young person, encourage them to talk to an adult they trust or to call or text confidential support like 988 or peer support services like Teen Line. Let them know that they are not alone, and that you are there to listen and help. California’s Never a Bother campaign has also information for young people who are struggling, and for their friends and caregivers.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Show your support at these local events listed below. Find and register for Suicide Prevention Month trainings.
Calendar of Events and Activity Guide
FAMILY-FRIENDLY & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For a list of events and ways to get involved in Riverside County this September, please visit our event calendar and activity guide
Get Trained
September 2025 trainings to increase awareness and access to resources and support
Know the Signs
This 90-minute presentation will focus on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a conversation with someone in crisis and connect them with the help and resources they need.
Mental Health 101
This 60-minute presentation will focus on understanding mental health, stigma reduction, available resources and more.
Self-Care and Wellness
This 2-hour presentation will focus on understanding how stress affects you, strategies to cope with stress, available resources and more.
Building Resiliency and Understanding Trauma
This 2-hour presentation will focus on understanding and defining trauma, the impact of trauma on the brain and tools to build resiliency and being trauma-informed.
ASIST
This two-day, interactive workshop prepares participants to provide suicide first aid interventions. ASIST caregivers complete the process that safeTALK helpers start, providing life-saving suicide first aid interventions.
Youth MHFA
This 8-hour training introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
Adult MHFA
This 8-hour training introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports.
safeTALK
This three-hour training prepares participants to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.