Question 1

What if I'm in crisis and need help right now?

Accepted Answer

If you're in immediate danger or having a medical emergency: Call 911

For mental health crisis support:

Calgary Distress Centre
403-266-HELP (4357)
Available 24/7 for crisis support, suicide intervention, and emotional support

Alberta Mental Health Help Line
1-877-303-2642
24/7 crisis support across Alberta

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988
24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support (Canada-wide)

Text Crisis Line
Text "CONNECT" to 686868
24/7 text-based crisis support

Kids Help Phone (under 29)
1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
24/7 support for youth and young adults

Distress Centre Calgary Chat
www.distresscentre.com
Live chat available during posted hours

Calgary Emergency Departments (24/7):
 • Foothills Medical Centre - 1403 29 St NW
 • Peter Lougheed Centre - 3500 26 Ave NE
 • Rockyview General Hospital - 7007 14 St SW
 • South Health Campus - 4448 Front St SE

Important: I provide ongoing therapy, not crisis intervention. If you're 
in crisis outside of our scheduled sessions, please use the resources above, 
they're staffed 24/7 by trained crisis professionals.

Question 2

What if I'm having suicidal thoughts?

Accepted Answer

First, know that suicidal thoughts are a symptom; they mean you're in 
intense pain and your brain is looking for a way out. They don't mean you're 
"crazy" or weak. They mean you need support.

If you're actively planning to harm yourself:
 • Call 911 immediately
 • Go to the nearest Emergency Department
 • Call Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-HELP (4357)
 • Call/text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline)

If you're having thoughts but not actively planning:
 • Call Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-HELP (4357) - they can talk you through it
 • Call/text 988
 • Reach out to someone you trust right now
 • If you have an upcoming session with me, come to it—or contact me to see if I can schedule an emergency session

Between our sessions:
I can help with suicidal thoughts as part of our ongoing therapy work, but 
if you're in active crisis, you need immediate crisis support (resources 
above) first. Once you're stabilized, we'll work together on longer-term 
strategies.

After using crisis resources:
Let me know what happened at your next session so we can adjust our treatment 
plan and address what led to the crisis.

Question 3

What should I do in a mental health emergency?

Accepted Answer

The right response depends on the severity:

IMMEDIATE DANGER (to yourself or others):
 • Call 911
 • Go to the nearest Emergency Department
 • Have someone take you if possible—don't drive yourself

SERIOUS CRISIS (not immediate danger, but can't wait):
 • Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-HELP (4357) - 24/7
 • 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
 • Alberta Health Link: 811 (nurse advice line)
 • Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can stay with you
 • Contact your family doctor if available

URGENT BUT MANAGEABLE:
 • Call to schedule an earlier session with me if I have availability
 • Use grounding techniques we've discussed
 • Reach out to your support system
 • Call Distress Centre for emotional support: 403-266-HELP (4357)

After hours/between sessions:
I'm not available for crisis support outside of scheduled sessions—therapy 
is structured support, not 24/7 availability. The crisis resources above 
are specifically designed for immediate help when you need it.

Following a crisis:
Once you're stable, contact me. We'll discuss:
 • What happened and what triggered the crisis
 • What helped and what didn't
 • Whether our treatment plan needs adjustment
 • Additional supports or resources you might need
 • Safety planning for future crises

Important distinction:
 • Crisis services = Immediate, short-term intervention when you're in danger
 • Therapy = Ongoing support to address underlying issues and reduce crisis frequency

Both are important. Use crisis resources when you need immediate help, and 
therapy to build long-term stability.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - Getting Started

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Frequently Asked Questions - Services and Specializations

Frequently Asked Questions - Practical Details

Frequently Asked Questions - About My Approach

Frequently Asked Questions - Crisis & Emergency Resources

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