These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Safety check first
You can ask"Is your family member safe right now? Have they talked about hurting themselves or someone else?"
Talking about suicide, a weapon, violence, or so confused they can't stay safe: call 911 or 988 now.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line / 988
24/7 mental health and suicide crisis line
1-855-662-7474 · 24/7:
988
· 24/7
Hidalgo Medical Services
HMS Mental Health Crisis Line 24/7
855-422-4334
· 24/7
2Learn and find other families
You can say"Loving someone with a mental illness is hard. A lot of families go through this."
NAMI Southern New Mexico
Mental illness family and peer support groups and classes (southern NM affiliate
575-448-2774 · 24/7:
988
PO Box 13946, Las Cruces
NAMI New Mexico
Family and peer support groups and classes
505-260-0154
Albuquerque · Varies
3How to talk with them
Pick a calm time. Speak softly. Keep it short.
You can say"I love you and I'm worried. I'm here to help, not to judge."
4Make a crisis plan now, while things are calm
Write down their doctor, medicines, diagnosis, warning signs, and what has helped before.
Keep 988 and the crisis line in your phone. Lock up guns, extra medicines and sharp items.
5When they refuse help
In New Mexico, police can take someone for an emergency mental health evaluation, without a court order, if there is a real risk they will seriously hurt themselves or others because of a mental illness. A licensed clinician can also certify this. Call 911 or 988 to start.
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
Southwest Counseling Center (formerly Border Area Mental Health Services)
Outpatient mental health and psychiatry
575-388-4497
315 S. Hudson St., Ste. 12, Silver City · Call for hours
6Take care of yourself too
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors can listen. The case worker can help with benefits and housing. Prayer is there if wanted, never required.
See the guide "Feels depressed or hopeless, but isn't in danger right now".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.