Meeting People Where They Are - When They Need It Most

Written by Emilee Fetters

When a mental health or substance use crisis arises, it can feel overwhelming, whether you’re experiencing the crisis yourself or supporting a loved one, friend, or colleague. In those moments, it’s not always easy to know where to turn. Fortunately, there are now more resources than ever to provide help when it's needed most.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a key source of support, offering free and confidential help 24/7 via phone, text, or online chat. This service connects individuals with trained counselors who specialize in mental health and substance use crises. Support is available whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about. The 988 Lifeline also offers specialized assistance for veterans, Spanish speakers, and individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, including videophone and TTY services.

Call or Text 9-8-8 to be connected to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

BELOW IS A LIST OF ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED HOTLINES AND “WARMLINES”:

(Hotlines provide immediate crisis support, while “warmlines” offer non-emergency emotional support.)

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Hotline:

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health provides support for mental health and substance use needs, including 24/7 access to service information and crisis support. Additional services include telehealth, outpatient care, case management, and more. Call 734-544-3050.

Michigan Peer Warmline:

Free, non-crisis support from peers with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery. Call 1-888-733-7753 between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. daily.

Veterans Crisis Hotline:

Veterans and their loved ones can press 1 after dialing 988 to reach responders trained to support military members and veterans.

The Trevor Project Hotline:

For LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 confidential crisis support by phone, text, and chat. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678. The Trevor Project Hotline:

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Trained advocates provide 24/7 support, safety planning, and referrals for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.

SafeHouse Center (Washtenaw County) Helpline:

Offers emergency shelter, advocacy, and 24/7 support for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Call 734-995-5444.

Preparing ahead by saving emergency numbers, creating a crisis plan & safety plan, and knowing where to turn can make all the difference. Most of all, remember: you’re not alone. Help is out there, and support is always within reach.

Locally, the City of Chelsea created the Community Social Worker position to expand access to care. Emilee Fetters has served in this role since fall 2024, offering crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and resource navigation services to individuals and families within the Chelsea School District. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit city-chelsea.org or email efetters@city-chelsea.org.

In more urgent situations, hospital-based psychiatric emergency services are available at Michigan Medicine, Trinity Health, and other area hospitals. These programs provide immediate evaluation, short-term stabilization, and connection to ongoing care. In life-threatening situations, such as overdose or imminent harm, calling 911 is essential.

After a crisis, continued care matters. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer structured, ongoing support, allowing individuals to continue their recovery without requiring an inpatient stay.