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.
1Is it an emergency?
Call 911 if the wound is deep, gaping or won't stop bleeding, they took pills, or they want to die.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
For a bad cut right now, use the guide "Someone cut themselves badly on purpose".
You can ask"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
If yes, stay with them and call 988 together.
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
Under 18? Use the guide "A teenager is struggling: sad, bullied, hurting themselves, or in trouble".
2Respond calmly, without shame
You can say"Thank you for trusting me. You're not in trouble, and I'm not judging you."
Stay calm. Don't show shock or anger. Don't lecture.
Don't make them promise to stop. That can make them hide it.
You can ask"What was going on right before you hurt yourself?"
You can ask"Is there anything that helps you get through that feeling?"
3Basic wound care
Small cuts or burns: wash your hands and wear gloves. Rinse with clean water and cover with a clean bandage.
Get care today if it gapes open, was made with a dirty blade, or shows infection: redness, heat, swelling, pus or fever.
Hidalgo Medical Services
Tranquil Skies Community Health Center: Same-day medical and behavioral health
575-388-4412
1318 E. 32nd St., Silver City · Medical Tue-Fri 7:00 am-5:00 pm; behavioral health Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:00 pm (both closed 12-1)
Silver Health CARE
Urgent care (walk-in)
575-538-2981
1600 E 32nd St, Silver City · Urgent care Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm (closed Sun-Mon); clinic Mon-Fri 8-5
For a burn, see the guide "Someone is burned". For a sore that won't heal, see the guide "Has a sore, wound or foot problem that won't heal".
4Counseling that helps
Counseling can teach other ways to handle strong feelings. Ask for a counselor who works with self-harm (like DBT).
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
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)
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
Gila Regional Medical Center
Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic (outpatient)
575-538-4090
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City
5Someone to reach out to
Crisis Text Line
24/7 crisis support by text message
· 24/7:
741741 (text)
· 24/7
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
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors and the case worker can talk with them and follow up.
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.