Too many people experience suicidal thoughts and suffer from deep mental health distress and do so while feeling as if they have nobody to turn to for the care that they need.
We hear these words way too often, “I don’t have anyone to talk to about my thoughts…and sometimes I contemplate killing myself.”
We want you to know that help is available today, and we urge you to not hesitate. There is no shame in seeking help. Reach out for support right now.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988)
Congress recently set up a three-digit national phone number (National Suicide Prevention Line/NSPL) to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, via call or text (988). Individuals who dial or text 988 receive confidential support for both suicidal crisis and mental health-related distress.
If you or someone you know are thinking about harming oneself, or experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, call or text 988 immediately.
Specialized services are available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups.
Region Five NSPL Line
In some areas, the 988 NSPL may not yet be available. If you are in the Region Five (R5) area and are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, call (757) 656-7755.
The Region Five area crisis line serves the communities of the Colonial, Chesapeake, Eastern Shore, Hampton-Newport News, Middle-Peninsula Northern Neck, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Western Tidewater Community Services Boards.
Region Five is committed to servicing diversity in the community. Every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and is given the right to personal choice when receiving services. We are one of the Community Services Boards serving the R5 communities. Find us listed with the other service board partners on the Regional Five Public Behavioral Health, Crisis, & Support webpage.
Our Emergency Services
Western Tidewater Community Services Board (WTCSB) is the single point of entry for access to mental health services, developmental support, and substance abuse services for Franklin and Suffolk and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton.
Western Tidewater is here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you experience a mental health or substance abuse crisis, no matter your age, ethnicity, or disability, our competent and compassionate staff are available. Call (757) 925-2484.
More Resources (Emergency Detection and Prevention)
Your relief is our priority. Our services are always available and accessible to all. We strive to respect and support cultural differences and we promote cultural equality. As we support diversity, and the availability of consumer care, we do so in-person and through our many resources. Some of our resources that you may find helpful are on our website in the form of blogs.
Here are some that may help you or someone you know experiencing a mental health crisis, or is avoiding seeking the help that you or they need:
What are the most common suicide risk factors and warning signs?
Depression and suicide are closely linked, but the untrained eye may not detect the warning signs. Even though all depression does not lead to suicide, it often increases the risk factors. Learn more about depression and suicide risk and warning factors.
What is trauma? How does it affect my mental health?
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. But trauma can alter how we see ourselves after other types of life experiences, and it takes on many characteristics. Learn more about trauma.
What IS mental health really?
Fallacies and misinterpretations of what mental health is, leads to negative stereotyping that causes people to suffer in silence instead of seeking professional help. Learn about the most common mental health disorders, the early warning signs, and mental health care.
Why is mental health awareness important?
Disparities in mental health care in the United States are rampant. Barriers that prevent racial minority groups from obtaining mental health care include stigma, cost, insurance, location, transportation, and more. We must close the gap and support and improve the health and well-being of minorities. Learn more about why mental health awareness for POC is important.
Counseling and Services
If you need someone to talk to, perhaps you have been feeling depressed, or you simply do not feel like yourself, you can benefit from mental health counseling.
Counseling can help you with a wealth of mental health challenges:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety and stress
- Grief and loss
- Problematic thoughts and behaviors
- Problems at work or school
- Problems at home
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Negative self-talk
- Self-harm
- Drug or alcohol misuse or abuse
- Thoughts about self-harm, death, or suicide
Learn more about counseling or schedule an appointment today.
Same Day Access Crisis Intervention
If you are contemplating self-harm or suicide, immediately call or text 988 (9-8-8), or call (757) 656-7755 for the Region 5 Suicide Prevention Line. If you are looking for mental health care or would like to receive Same Day Access for crisis intervention, you can reach us through several options:
- Complete the online intake form to begin the Same Day Access process (for first-time visits) or call us at (757) 758-5106.
- Western Tidewater CSB 24/7 Emergency Services are available at (757) 925-2484. Learn more about our crisis services.
If you are in need of support – we are always within reach!