When a mental health crisis strikes, knowing the right steps can save a life. This guide explains what counts as a crisis, how NHS crisis teams work, and exactly what to do—whether you or someone else needs urgent help.

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1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year • Crisis teams operate 24/7 • Over 300,000 crisis team referrals are made in England annually

What Is a Crisis?

  • A situation where someone needs urgent help to stay safe NHS guidance
  • Can include suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or psychosis Mind UK

Crisis Team Services

How to Get Help

Key Contacts

  • NHS 111 – select mental health option
  • Samaritans – 116 123
  • Crisis team – vary by region, ask GP or local NHS
Key facts about mental health crisis teams
Attribute Details
Definition A mental health crisis is a situation where a person’s safety is at risk due to mental health issues
Availability 24/7
Contact (England) NHS 111, option 2
Contact (Ireland) HSE 1800 742 745
Also known as Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment (CRHT) teams

What is considered a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is any situation where a person’s behaviour puts them at risk of harming themselves or others. This includes suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety attacks, or psychosis. Mind UK defines it as a point where someone needs urgent help to stay safe. NHS guidance says to call 999 or go to A&E immediately if someone’s life is at risk, including after serious self-harm or an overdose.

What qualifies as a mental health emergency?

An emergency means immediate danger: attempted suicide, severe self-harm, or violence. Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS states: if life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. Practitioner Health NHS adds: if you feel you cannot keep yourself safe or may hurt someone else, you need urgent medical help.

When does a situation become a crisis?

A crisis develops when someone’s usual coping strategies stop working and they cannot stay safe without help. Mind UK notes that if you can keep yourself safe for a short while but still need urgent support, options include NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, or an urgent GP appointment.

The implication: The line between “crisis” and “emergency” comes down to immediate risk of harm. When certainty is low, call 111 for advice—they can escalate if needed.

What does a mental health crisis team do?

Crisis teams provide urgent assessment and support at home. They are often called Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment (CRHT) teams. Mind UK says they are usually run by the NHS and support people outside hospital, usually at home. Rethink Mental Illness confirms they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What services do crisis teams provide?

Teams conduct assessments at home or in community settings. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says they provide treatment to avoid hospital admission where possible. Rethink adds that they may make a care plan, arrange medication, regular visits or phone calls, and coordinate with longer-term services.

How do crisis teams differ from hospital emergency departments?

Emergency departments (A&E) handle immediate medical emergencies, including overdose or serious self-harm. Crisis teams offer a less restrictive alternative: you stay at home while receiving daily professional support. NHS says to call 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening mental health help—this routes to crisis teams in many areas.

The pattern: Crisis teams are the bridge between A&E and routine GP care; they keep you out of hospital when safe to do so.

What are the 10 common warning signs of a mental health crisis?

Recognising early warning signs can prevent escalation. Based on Mind UK and NHS guidance, common signs include:

  1. Withdrawal from social contact
  2. Severe mood swings
  3. Changes in sleep or appetite
  4. Agitation or restlessness
  5. Confusion or disorientation
  6. Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
  7. Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  8. Neglecting personal care
  9. Paranoia or unusual beliefs
  10. Threatening or self-harming behaviour

What are three signs of a mental health crisis?

Three key signs: withdrawal, severe mood swings, and expressions of hopelessness. Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS adds that if someone has attempted suicide or seriously harmed themselves, that is a clear crisis sign.

How to recognize early warning signs

Watch for behaviour changes—someone who usually talks openly becoming silent, irritability, or a drop in functioning. Mind UK advises that family and friends are often first to notice.

Warning: These signs are not a checklist; trust your gut if something feels off and seek professional advice early.

What to do if someone is in a mental health crisis?

Stay calm and listen. Remove any means of self-harm. Then decide which service to contact.

How to intervene in a mental health crisis?

  1. Ensure your own safety and the person’s safety.
  2. Ask directly if they are thinking of harming themselves or others.
  3. Listen without judgment.
  4. Remove items that could be used for self-harm.
  5. Contact the crisis team, NHS 111, or emergency services.

Practitioner Health NHS says: if you are already under mental health services, contact your key worker or team and follow your care plan’s emergency details.

When to call emergency services vs crisis team

NHS makes the distinction clear:

  • Immediate danger (life at risk, serious self-harm, overdose): call 999 or go to A&E.
  • Urgent but not life-threatening: call 111 and select the mental health option.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust echoes this: people with a mental health crisis who do not have serious physical injuries should call 111.

“If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.” — NHS urgent help page

“Crisis teams offer support outside of hospital, usually at your home.” — Mind UK

What this means: 999 is for seconds-count emergencies; 111 is the gate to same-day mental health support. If in doubt, call 111—they will redirect you if needed.

What are the 5 stages of a crisis?

The crisis stage model helps clinicians and families intervene early. The five stages are:

  1. Pre-crisis (prodromal): early warning signs appear—irritability, withdrawal.
  2. Crisis: behaviour becomes unsafe; the person cannot cope.
  3. Intervention: professional help arrives—crisis team, A&E, or emergency services.
  4. Resolution: symptoms stabilise; short-term support in place.
  5. Post-crisis: recovery and referral to ongoing care.

How does the crisis stage model work?

Each stage has a window for intervention. Mind UK emphasises that early intervention can prevent escalation—knowing the pre-crisis stage gives time to contact the crisis team.

What happens during each stage?

In the pre-crisis stage, someone might stop eating or start isolating. At crisis, they may express suicidal intent. Intervention involves assessment and safety planning. Resolution: crisis team visits daily. Post-crisis: handover to community mental health team.

“Crisis teams support people in the community and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” — Rethink Mental Illness

The catch: The model is a guide, not a fixed timeline. Some people move from pre-crisis to crisis in hours; others over days. Act early.

Related reading: How to Reduce Cortisol: Signs, Best Reducer & Fastest Way

Additional sources

humber.nhs.uk, pennfoundation.org, mind.org.uk, bbc.com, facebook.com

When someone shows signs of a mental health crisis, knowing where to turn can make all the difference — crisis hotlines and support offer immediate, confidential help.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does crisis team support last?

Support typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on need and local capacity. Rethink Mental Illness notes that the team arranges follow-up with longer-term services before discharge.

Can crisis teams prescribe medication?

Yes, if a psychiatrist is part of the team. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust states they provide treatment including medication reviews to prevent hospital admission.

Are crisis teams available for children?

Some areas have dedicated children and adolescent crisis teams. Contact NHS 111 or your local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) to check availability. Mind UK advises that crisis services for under-18s may operate differently.

What happens after crisis team intervention?

The team transitions you to ongoing care—a GP, community mental health team, or talking therapies. Rethink says they coordinate with longer-term services to ensure continuity.

How is a crisis team contacted?

In England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also ask your GP for the local crisis number, or if you have previous contact details, call them directly. Mind UK lists these routes.

Do crisis teams charge for their service?

No. Crisis teams are part of the NHS and free at the point of use across England. In Ireland, HSE services are also free.

Can I self-refer to a crisis team?

Yes, in many areas. Mind UK says you can sometimes contact the team directly if you have the contact details. Otherwise, NHS 111 or a GP can refer you.

Summary: When a mental health crisis hits, the NHS provides a clear triage system: 999 for immediate danger, 111 for urgent non-life-threatening situations which connects you to crisis teams. These teams offer 24/7 home-based support to stabilise and prevent hospital admission. The pattern is consistent across regions—but knowing the warning signs and acting early gives the best chance of a safe outcome.