Triage Guidance

First, assess for immediate danger: Are you or someone else at risk of harming themselves or others? If yes, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If there is no imminent danger but symptoms are severe—such as psychosis, inability to care for yourself, or overwhelming panic—urgent care or same-day psychiatric evaluation may be appropriate. These settings can stabilize you quickly and connect you to follow-up care.

If symptoms are distressing but manageable at home with support, consider urgent mental health clinics or telehealth urgent visits. Many regions have crisis response teams that can provide in-home or mobile support instead of an ER visit. These services reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and keep you in the least restrictive, most supportive setting. When in doubt, contact a primary care provider or insurance nurse line for help navigating options.

If it is not an urgent situation—like starting a new medication or adjusting therapy—schedule a regular outpatient appointment. Do not delay care, but prioritize emergency resources for true crises. Keep in mind that ER visits often result in short-term stabilization, not long-term treatment plans. Building a relationship with a psychiatrist or therapist ahead of time makes it easier to access timely care when needed.