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If a child or adolescent is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it is important to act quickly and calmly to ensure their safety. Here are some steps to follow:
- Stay calm and reassure the child or adolescent that you are there to help them.
- Contact the child or adolescent’s mental health provider or primary care physician immediately. If they are not available, contact a local emergency room or crisis hotline.
- If the child or adolescent is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 911 or your local emergency services.
- If the child or adolescent is at home, remove any dangerous objects or substances from their environment.
- If the child or adolescent is willing, stay with them and offer emotional support until help arrives.
Remember, psychiatric emergencies involving children and adolescents can be very serious and require prompt attention. By staying calm and following these steps, you can help ensure the child or adolescent receives the care they need.
What to Do in a Psychiatric Emergency involving a Child or Adolescent
A psychiatric emergency is defined as a situation in which someone’s mental state appears dangerous or they pose an immediate danger to themselves or others.
Emergency departments should provide high-quality evaluation and treatment planning for young patients in mental health crises, but families often find themselves stuck with a system that cannot meet their child’s or adolescent’s needs.
1. Call 911.
When your child or adolescent experiences a mental health crisis, it can be terrifying for everyone involved. While you may feel like there’s not enough time to handle everything that needs doing, taking proactive steps ahead of time will ensure your child receives the assistance they require when needed.
If you believe your child’s mental health poses a danger to themselves or others, dial 911 immediately. When speaking with the operator, make sure they understand why you are calling and request a CIT officer (Crisis Intervention Training). These officers have been specially trained in responding to mental health crises so they understand that your child may be facing one and are familiar with local resources.
Be prepared for the possibility that your child may need to go to the hospital. Although this can be a frightening experience for both you and your little one, it could potentially save their life.
Emergency room staff will assess your child’s situation and recommend what steps should be taken next. This could include referring them for outpatient services or further assessment by a psychiatrist.
Your child may be taken to a psychiatric unit, where they will be escorted by police or other emergency workers. Once inside, your child will be assessed by doctors and other staff members.
The psychiatric team will assess your child’s situation and decide if they require medication, therapy, or other forms of treatment. They then collaborate with you to craft a personalized plan that works best for their individual needs.
In some cases, your child may be sent home with a referral for outpatient mental health treatment. The type of treatment will depend on the symptoms, medical history, and availability in your area.
When taking your child to the emergency room, be prepared for possible delays and long wait times. Make sure you bring plenty of water, comfortable clothing, as well as medications for your child with you.
2. Get them to the hospital.
Bringing a child or adolescent to the hospital for a mental health crisis can be frightening and upsetting. But it’s essential to remember that this doesn’t make your child an invalid; rather, it means you are doing all that is in your power to keep them safe.
A psychiatric emergency occurs when your child is at risk of harming themselves or others. Signs such as suicide attempts, self-harm or sudden changes in behavior should raise serious concern. When faced with such a crisis, everyone’s top priority should always be keeping your loved one safe and alive.
If your child is showing signs of suicidal ideation or has made an attempt, they will likely need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital until doctors deem it safe for them to return home. You should follow up with a mental health treatment team as soon as possible after your child’s discharge from the hospital.
Some children may be admitted to an observation unit for a day or two while doctors assess their safety. This can be beneficial if your child’s psychiatric condition isn’t severe enough for inpatient care, but they remain at high risk and need close monitoring.
Most hospitals have a social worker or other staff member who will contact you regularly to check on your child’s progress. They can answer any queries and direct you towards an outpatient team if needed.
They can also connect you with local resources like crisis text lines or hotlines for mental health services and support. You may ask the hospital to put this number on your phone so that you can stay in contact while they provide care for your child.
While hospitals cannot cure your child’s illness, they can help them get better and feel better quickly. After diagnosing the issue, treating it, and working together with you on creating a plan to get them back home where they can receive safe care in their own environment, hospitals are great resources to help your child get well quickly.
It may take time, but if you are patient and consistent with your child’s care, they can make it through a psychiatric emergency. To help them through it, ensure they get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and take good care of themselves physically and emotionally.
3. Talk to the hospital staff.
If your child is facing a mental health crisis, they may require hospitalization for treatment. It’s essential that you know what to expect so that both of you feel safe and at ease during this trying time.
First and foremost, speak with hospital staff about any worries you have. Be as honest as possible when doing this so that your child can receive all necessary assistance.
You can also request to speak with the doctor who is caring for your child’s mental health. They will likely inquire about your child’s recent history and what has been going on in his or her life.
Additionally, you can share any knowledge you have regarding your child’s symptoms, behaviors and emotional state with them. This could include information related to depression or suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Doctors and nurses in the emergency room are trained to detect and address psychiatric emergencies. They offer a range of services such as counseling, medication management and support groups.
Psychosocial emergencies often involve patients who have endured trauma, are dealing with mental illness or are feeling emotional pain. It is essential that psychiatric emergency care be provided in a safe manner for both the patient and staff members.
Your child’s medical team will likely begin by assessing them for risk, which means determining whether they believe your son or daughter has the potential to harm themselves or others. After that, they’ll decide the level of care your child requires.
If your child does not pose any risks and does not intend to harm themselves or anyone else, they might be released and instructed to see a therapist as soon as possible. This is an indication that the medical team has taken their concerns seriously.
If you have any worries about your child’s mental health or if he or she appears to be acting out of character, call 911 and go directly to the hospital. In some cases, a short-term observation unit may be available.
4. Ask for help.
If you believe your child or adolescent may be experiencing a mental health crisis, there are several steps that you should take. First and foremost, call 911 and request that an operator send someone trained in mental health (like a Crisis Intervention Training officer) who can provide assistance for your child.
You may also reach out to your local police department and inquire if they have officers with crisis intervention training. These officers are specifically equipped to diffuse situations and treat them as mental health issues rather than criminal offenses.
Another option is taking your child directly to the hospital. The staff there can help determine if they require admission and may need to see a doctor or therapist right away.
In most cases, immediate treatment is necessary to avoid further harm. This includes treating suicidal behavior, severe depression and anxiety issues, as well as extreme agitation or aggression.
Sometimes, psychiatric emergencies can be difficult to recognize or diagnose. To help your child understand their feelings, try your best to listen attentively and not dismiss their concerns.
Additionally, you should provide them with some useful information about suicide and the resources in your community. Doing so will enable them to feel less alone and understand that others share similar thoughts and emotions.
Though it can be frightening and overwhelming for your child to be in a psychiatric emergency, it is imperative that you do everything in your power to ensure their safety. These situations often have more serious outcomes than anticipated, so make sure they get the assistance they require.
Remember, mental health issues are quite common among children and adolescents, and that with effective treatment they can recover. At least 1 out of every 5 kids will experience a diagnosable mental health problem at some point during their lives; getting help makes a huge difference in your child’s quality of life and ability to function normally.
