Child and Adolescent Mental Health Information and Referrals
It is always better to seek treatment before a crisis or emergency, but there are times when a parent needs help quickly - for example, when children can't calm down, are uncontrollable, or may be in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others. In these cases, it is best to call 911. You can also call The Mental Health Association of New York City's 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week mental health crisis hotline 988
Contact 988 for Support
988 has a staff of trained mental health professionals that can help callers find the most appropriate mental health and substance abuse services for their needs. Services include counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, peer support, referrals to care, assistance in connecting to the referral, and follow-up services. 988 is free and confidential and operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week via phone, text, and internet chat. 988 is multilingual and multicultural.
You can also text 988 or go to 988, an online resource for individuals, families and agencies in need of help and information.
Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA)
Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA) is a centralized referral system for children with serious emotional disturbance who need intensive mental health services to remain at home or in their community.
Family Resource Centers
Family Resource Centers (FRCs) provide support for families of children (birth - 24 years old) with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. FRCs are staffed with family advocates who have experience getting mental health services for their own children. Family advocates are specially trained and aware of concerns family members have in raising children with emotional and/or behavioral challenges. They offer support, information, referrals, workshops and groups. FRCs also employ youth advocates who work directly with children and adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral challenges, either individually or in a group.
- List of Family Resource Centers (PDF)