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"Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else?"
If they have a plan, a weapon, or already hurt themselves, call 911. Stay with them.
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
If they served in the military, call or text 988 and press 1.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line (988 press 1)
988 · 24/7:
988 (press 1)
· 24/7
If it's a crisis, use the guide "Someone is in crisis or talking about suicide".
2Listen without pushing
You can say"What happened to you is real. These reactions are your body trying to keep you safe. Help works."
If they have a flashback, speak calmly. Say their name, today's date and where they are. Ask them to feel their feet on the floor.
You can ask"What helps you feel a little safer?"
3Trauma counseling in town
Trauma-focused counseling (like EMDR or CPT) can lower nightmares and flashbacks. Ask for a "trauma-informed" counselor.
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)
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
Winborn Wellness and Counseling
Counseling for children, teens, families and adults (Silver City office)
575-694-5478
315 N Hudson St #8, Silver City
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
Bring
- Photo ID
- Medicaid or insurance card
4Veterans
You can ask"Did you ever serve in the military, Guard or Reserve?"
Vet Centers give free, private counseling for combat veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and their families. No VA enrollment needed.
Las Cruces Vet Center
Free readjustment counseling for veterans and families
575-523-9826 · 24/7:
877-927-8387
1120 Commerce Dr, Suite B, Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; some evening hours
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Vet Center Call Center (24/7 talk line, readjustment counseling)
877-927-8387 · 24/7:
988 then press 1
· 24/7
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Silver City VA Clinic
VA clinic (primary care, mental health, social work)
575-538-2921 · 24/7:
988 then press 1
2950 Leslie Rd., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
See the guide "A veteran needs help".
5Survivors of sexual assault or abuse
Counseling for sexual assault survivors is free and private, even if it happened long ago.
Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services (SRSASS)
Counseling for sexual assault survivors
575-313-6203
Silver City (address shared by phone) · Office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline (call, text, chat)
1-844-667-2457
· 24/7
1in6
Online support groups for male survivors of sexual abuse
· Several groups weekly (evenings ET)
Hurt by a partner or family member? El Refugio offers counseling too.
El Refugio
Counseling for domestic violence survivors and children
575-538-2125
Silver City (address shared by phone) · Office weekdays; hotline 24/7
If it happened recently, see the guide "Was sexually assaulted or raped".
6Support between visits
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors and the case worker can talk with them and follow up.
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
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.