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.
1Check for danger first
You can ask"Have you had thoughts of ending your life, or of wanting to be with the person who died?"
If yes, use the guide "Someone is in crisis or talking about suicide". Call or text 988. Stay with them.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line / 988
24/7 mental health and suicide crisis line
1-855-662-7474 · 24/7:
988
· 24/7
2Listen and be there
You can say"I'm so sorry. Would you like to tell me about them?"
Listen. Let them talk, cry, or sit quietly.
At the Gospel MissionStaff and volunteers can sit with the family and pray with them if they want.
3A grief group in town
Harvest Church Silver City
GriefShare support group
575-538-3619
1500 N. Hudson St., Silver City · Thursdays 6-8pm; current session Sep 24 - Dec 17, 2026
Mesilla Valley Hospice - Center for Grief Services
Free grief counseling and support for the community
575-525-5752
299 E Montana Ave, Las Cruces · By appointment. Public groups (registration required): Thu 10am Grief Cafe; Thu 1pm Parents of Adult Children; Thu 4pm Open Group; 1st & 3rd Thu 11:15am Spanish group
Free grief counseling and groups for anyone, in English and Spanish, in Las Cruces. Call to sign up.
4Counseling
Western New Mexico University - Family Counseling Center
Low-cost counseling
575-538-6343
Glaser Hall, 513 W. 12th St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00
Hidalgo Medical Services
Silver City Community Health Center: Behavioral health counseling
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm (clinic hours)
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL)
Peer-to-Peer Warmline (call or text)
855-466-7100 · 24/7:
855-662-7474
· Call daily 3:00-11:30pm MT; text daily 6:00-11:00pm MT
Focus on the Family
Free Christian counseling consultation by phone (marriage and family)
855-771-4357
5Special kinds of loss
Lost a child:
The Compassionate Friends
Online support chats for parents who lost a child
877-969-0010
· Online chats weekly, mostly 7 p.m. MT; schedule on website
Lost a baby during pregnancy or soon after birth:
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Support after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death
800-821-6819
Lost someone to suicide:
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors
Online community forum for suicide loss survivors
· 24/7:
988
Lost someone who served in the military:
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
24/7 support line for families of fallen military members
800-959-8277
· 24/7
A teenager is grieving? Use the guide "A teenager is struggling: sad, bullied, hurting themselves, or in trouble".
6Practical help after a death
Use the guide "Someone died and the family can't pay for a funeral".
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, a pantry bag, showers, laundry and clothes.
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.