Crisis Resources

Who you can call:
If this is an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911.
Where you can go:
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​Whatcom County Triage Center
​2026 Division St in Bellingham.
Call the Crisis Line at 800-584-3578.
​Walk-ins and next day appointments also available. Co-located with detox facility. More information here.
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Emergency Room at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
2901 Squalicum Pkwy in Bellingham.
​360-734-5400
For non-emergencies:
Inpatient Behavioral Health at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
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Lake Whatcom Residential and Treatment Center (LWC) provides an array of residential and community mental health services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Whatcom County and surrounding communities.  
​360-676-6000
Other Hotlines
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
         Español 988
Factsheets and other Resources

                                                            Youth/Teen Resources
(Note: This isn’t an extensive list; please let us know if you know of additional resources to add.) -Updated  June 2023
NAMI Whatcom – http://namiwhatcom.org
We can answer resource questions; if we are not in the office, leave us a message and we’ll get back to you.
          Call – 360-671-4950          
          Email – [email protected]

Hotlines for All Ages
Suicide Prevention (24/7) Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Support that is free and confidential by a counselor or trained mental health professional for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda.
            Call (English) – 1 800-273-8255 
            Call (Spanish) – 1 888-628-9454
           Call/Text – 988 (Former Suicide Prevention Lifeline number has been also updated to ‘988’)
            TTY (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) – 711 then 1-800-273-8255
            Live Chat – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ OR https://988lifeline.org/chat/

WA Crisis Connections (24/7) Line - https://www.crisisconnections.org/
Provide those in emotional crisis or their loved ones with support & resources. (Individuals under 18 yrs will be transferred to Teen Link- listed on page 2).
            Call – 1-866-427-4747 (King County services will connect you with closest services/resources)
            TTY (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) – 711 then 1-866-427-4747
Crisis (24/7) Text Line – www.crisistextline.org/
Safe, confidential all-ages crisis line that connects individuals with a volunteer crisis counselor who can provide support and resources for all types of various mental health challenges.
            Text – ‘HOME’ to 741741

WA Warm Line - https://www.crisisconnections.org/wa-warm-line/
Confidential trained-peer support line for people living with emotional and mental health challenges, who are not currently in crisis but want support and resources; can help prevent a mental health crisis.
            Call – 1 877-500-9276 (Daily 9am – 10pm)

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services - http://dvsas.org/
Advocacy and support for any Survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault; confidential.
            Call (24/7) Helpline – 877-715-1563     
            Call Whatcom Office – 360-671-5714 (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm PT) 

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Confidential support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder.
           Call – 1 800-931-2237 (Mon-Thurs 8am – 6pm PT, Fri 8am – 2pm PT)
            Text – 1 800-931-2237 (Mon-Thurs 12 – 3pm PT, Fri 10am – 2pm PT)
            Chatline – https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ (Mon-Thurs 6am-6pm PT, Fri 6am-2pm PT)
            (24/7) Crisis Support – text ‘NEDA’ to 741741

Trans (24/7) Lifeline - https://www.translifeline.org/
Confidential peer support for those who identify or are questioning if they are transgender or nonbinary. 
           Call (English) – 1 877-565-8860
          Call (Spanish) – 1877-565-8860 press 2 

Youth Call/Text/Chat Lines

Ok2talk (24/7) - https://ok2talk.org (Access via Tumblr)
A safe, online community and call line created for teens and young adults to talk about their experiences; aims to erase stigma by allowing people to share their own stories.
            Call – 1-800-273-8255

Your Life, Your Voice (24/7) Hotline (Previously “REACH0UT”) - https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/
Safe & confidential help and support for teens and young adults by professionals in real time.
            Call – 1-800-448-3000
            Text – ‘VOICE’ to 20121
            Mobile App – ‘My Life My Voice’ free download on Android or Apple
            Email – via the ‘Ways To Get Help’ page on website (responses typically within 48 hours)



The YouthLine (24/7) - https://theyouthline.org
Provides safe & confidential crisis support for young people ages 11-20 from a trained peer (4-10pm) or adult.
          Call – 1 877-968-8491
          Text – ‘Teen2Teen’ to 839863
          Live Chat – https://theyouthline.org (daily 4 - 10pm PT)
          Email – [email protected]

Teen Line - https://teenlineonline.org/
Provides confidential peer support & resources to teens experiencing mental health challenges.
            Call – 1-800-852-8336 (daily 6 - 10pm PT)
            Text – ‘TEEN’ to 839863 (daily 6 - 9pm PT)

Teen Link - https://www.teenlink.org/ 
Teen specialists provide support to teens in crisis, or to a peer or parents concerned about them.
            Call* – 1-866-833-6546 (daily 6 - 10 pm PT)
            Text – 1-866-833-6546 (daily 6 - 9:30pm PT)
             Live Chat – https://www.teenlink.org/chat/ (6-9:30pm PT)
*Can also call to connect with a substance use specialist; press ‘2’ after calling (daily 1-10pm PT)

Teen Talks Textline - www.dvsas.org/peer-education-and-advocacy-teens-against-abuse-2/
A safe, confidential text-line open to any teen in Whatcom County who would like non-emergency support around relationships, boundaries, consent, or mental health. Can be anonymous upon request.
            Text – 360-603-9684 (weekdays 3 - 7pm PT)
            Peer Facilitated Support Space – Hosted via Zoom for High School Students (Tuesdays 4-5pm PT)
                                                                      – Hosted via Zoom for Middle School Students (Wednesdays 5-6pm PT)
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (24/7) - https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Trained advocates confidentially provide help, support, and resources for youth ages 13-18 who are experiencing physical or verbal abuse from someone they are dating.
              Call – 1 866-331-9474
              Text – ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
              Chat – https://www.loveisrespect.org/ 

Self-Injury Foundation Hotline - https://www.adolescentselfinjuryfoundation.com/
Provides confidential support & resources for young people struggling with self-harm or thoughts of self-harm.
            Call – 1 800-366-8288
                                                                         



                                                                             LGBTQ+ Youth Resources
Trevor Project (24/7) Helpline- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Provides mental health support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention for youth and young adults within the LGBTQ+ community. Online chat also available.
          Call – 1 866-488-7386 
          Text – ‘START’ to 678678
          Chat – https://www.thetrevorproject.org/webchat 


LGBTQ+ National Youth Talkline - http://glnh.org/
Safe & confidential peer support for the LGBTQ+ and questioning community ages 25 and younger.
          Call – 1 800-246-7743 (Mon-Fri 1-9pm; Sat 9am-2pm PT)
          Email – [email protected]
          LGBTQ+ National Coming Out Support Hotline – (888)-688-5428
          LGBTQ Teens Chatroom (ages 19 & younger) – (Tues & Wed 4-7pm PT) https://lgbthotline.org/lgbtteens
          Trans Teens Chatroom (ages 19 & younger) – (Thurs & Fri 4-7pm PT) https://lgbthotline.org/transteens

It Gets Better - https://itgetsbetter.org/    
A safe, online space for LGBTQ+ youth worldwide to get support and resources, share their stories with peers, and feel empowered; includes added resources for LGBTQ+ youth who are black, migrants, refugees, or asylees. 
           Instagram Handle – @itgetsbetter

                                                                              POC Youth Resources 
Native Youth (24/7) Helpline - http://www.youarenotalonenetwork.org/
Provides national crisis support and resources for those within the Native community.
          Call – 1-877-209-1266

The Steve Fund (24/7) Textline - https://www.stevefund.org/
Crisis line specifically for young people of color; chat confidentially with a trained crisis counselor.
          Text – ‘STEVE’ to 741741

Naseeha Helpline - https://naseeha.org/
Confidential helpline providing support and resources for Muslim teens & young adults worldwide experiencing mental health challenges, struggling with substance use, or seeking advice for difficult life situations.
            Call – 866-627-3342 (Daily 9am – 9pm PT)
            Text – “Naseeha” to 1 866-627-3342 (Daily 9am – 9pm PT)

                                                              Access to Youth Provider Services
Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens website - https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/washington-mental-health-referral-service/family/ 
A free service that helps connect families with mental health providers for children 17 and under.
The intake interview will occur within 48 hours, the provider match is taking up to 6 weeks at this time.
             Call – 833-303-5437 (weekdays 8am – 5pm PT)

Online Request Form –
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/washington-mental-health-referral-service/family/referral-form/ 
Mental Health Access - www.voaww.org
Helps set up low-cost/free Mental health services for any teenager who meets eligibility requirements.
            Call – 1-800-584-3578

Middle Path Counseling – www.middlepathcounseling.com
A team of independent mental health providers offering an intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) outpatient program for adolescents who are struggling to manage their emotions, stress, relationships, and impulsive behaviors. The program includes both individual counseling and a weekly DBT skills therapy group.
            Call – 360-201-0120 (weekdays)

Youth General Mental Health Online Resources
NAMI National Website - www.nami.org        Instagram Handle: @namicommunicate
Lots of information available on Mental Health Conditions and related topics.
            NAMI Whatcom Branch: www.namiwhatcom.org   
            Instagram Handle: @namiwhatcom

Find Your Words - https://findyourwords.org/
Access to many tools for youth to support themselves, connect with others, and learn more about their diagnosis and symptoms.
            Crisis Textline – text ‘WORDS’ to 741741

NAMI You Talk - https://youtalkwa.org/
Access to information, tools, and support for youth and teens who have a parent living with a mental health condition; run by NAMI Southwest WA.

Mental Health is Health - https://www.mentalhealthishealth.us/
Access to mental health education, resources, and helpful info for normalizing conversations, creating a connection, and inspiring action on mental health for youth.

I’m Hurting - https://imhurting.org/
Access to lots of information, resources, and support for youth experiencing mental health challenges themselves or in their friends.

Ditch the Label - https://www.ditchthelabel.org/
Helps young people ages 12-25 world-wide navigate mental health, relationships, and identity challenges, through educational information, digital safe spaces, and direct support.

NAMI Tennessee’s Teen Mental Health- http://teenmh.org/
TeenMH is a free resource designed specifically with YOUth in mind, based on conversations with a diverse group of amazing teenagers and leading experts. While there is a lot of information online, TeenMH offers honest, practical information and resources to help young people understand more about mental health in a fun to navigate format that includes many options for entertainment, education, and engagement.


Other Resources - Whatcom County
Compass Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (All Ages) – https://www.compasshealth.org/online-referral-form/
Whatcom County Outreach team of behavioral health professionals and peer counselors with the ability to respond to a mental health crisis and offer short term intervention and prevention services.
          Call – VOA Care Crisis Line (24/7) for referral at 1 800-584-3578 

Catholic Community Services Recovery Center - https://ccsww.org/
Provides intensive wrap-around services (WISE) to ages 20 and under; and drug and alcohol counseling and information for youth and families.
            Call – 360-676-2164

Northwest Youth Services: The Pad (24/7) Hotline - https://www.nwys.org/emergency-housing
Provides short term emergency housing for youth ages 13-17 in Whatcom County.
            Call – 360-393-0166

Northwest Youth Services: The Ground Floor - https://www.nwys.org/street-outreach
Serves as a day-use center for at-risk, runaway, or homeless youth ages 18-24, where they can connect with supportive adults, receive basic needs items, access to free service, and resources.
            Call – 360-927-0156

Northwest Youth Services: Teen Court -  https://www.nwys.org/teen-court
Serves as a diversion program offering youth an alternative to juvenile detention, by providing a youth-run court in which juvenile respondents are held accountable for their actions by a jury of their peers.
            Call – 360-603-0033

Child in Need of Services (CHINS) - https://kingcounty.gov/courts/superior-court/becca/chins.aspx
Program helps youth, or a youth advocate, petition the Court to look into situations that endanger the youth.
            Call – 360-778-5490

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) – www.whatcomdrc.org
Offers mediation to middle school and high school aged youth to assist in resolving a conflict.
          Call – 360-676-0122

Youth Net - http://youthnetnw.net/
Assists youth in acquiring necessary skills to become self-sufficient adults, through community-based mentorship-style services and monthly group workshops, which provide hands-on life skills training and support for youth who are in or exiting foster care, the juvenile justice system, or other programs serving at-risk youth.
              Call – 360-336-1610
              Email – [email protected] 

WorkSource Whatcom Youth Program - https://seeker.worksourcewa.com/Resources/YouthProgram.aspx
Provides tools and resources to low-income ages 14-24, to help complete their education or get and keep a job.
            Call - 360-676-1521

JobCorps - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/jobcorps
Provides low-income young people ages 16-24 with access to room and board, while teaching them skills that help them complete their education, or train theming in technical skills necessary for meaningful careers.
            Call- 1 800-733-5627

Other resources from NAMI Whatcom for parents and caregivers of youth with mental health challenges:
NAMI Whatcom has free classes for those that are parents and caregivers of youth with mental health conditions and challenges. These include:

NAMI Family Support Group:
NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, parents, caregivers, and friends of individuals struggling with mental illness.

In NAMI Family Support Groups, family members join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective life experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense of understanding and hope for their loved one living with mental illness.

NAMI Family to Family:
This eight-session course is taught by trained family members. All course materials are furnished without charge. The class is for families, partners and friends of individuals with mental illnesses. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their loved ones. This program was designated as an evidence-based program by SAMSHA and updated in 2020.

NAMI Basics: 
NAMI Basics is a free education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so you can connect with other people face-to-face.
Basics is also available on demand at your own pace. If this is a better option for you, please contact [email protected]

For more information about classes or support groups please visit our website at www.namiwhatcom.org 

The resources provided through NAMI Whatcom and namiwhatcom.org are not a substitute for the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified professionals. Should you have any health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult a physician or other health care professional. To find a professional, you may use our provider directory. 
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NAMI Whatcom is fully inclusive of individuals and families of all backgrounds and cultures. Our affiliate collaborates with others to advocate for system change and public policies that best support recovery and resiliency for those living with mental illness.
Copyright © NAMI Whatcom
All rights reserved.
EIN: 91-1245978​
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