If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out for help right away. These resources are available 24/7:
- Call or text 988, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call Community Services Board Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
- Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact the 24/7 HopeLink Regional Crisis Call Center.
- Call the 24/7 HopeLink Regional Crisis Call Center at 703-527-4077
- In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 911.
Concerned about your teen’s mood? Take a brief, confidential online screening.
Suicide warning signs
Learn the warning signs of suicide (also available in Spanish). These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
Mental health services
For help in finding a local mental health service provider, or to inquire about accessing CSB non-emergency services, call CSB Entry and Referral Services (available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) – 703-383-8500, TTY 711.
Youth and adults can also come in person, without prior appointment, to Entry & Referral Services at the CSB's Sharon Bulova Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to be screened for services. [Learn what happens during an assessment.]
Find out more about CSB services for children, youth and families.
Peer Support is available from people who have had similar experiences giving each other encouragement, hope, assistance and understanding that aids in recovery.
Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools resources
- Mental Health and Resiliency
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- School Counseling Services
- School Psychology Services
- School Social Work Services
Mental wellness for older adults
Military, veterans and their family members
- Listing of resources available for members of the military, veterans and their families.
Suicide Prevention Guides and Toolkit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal guide helps families who have a loved one who is suicidal or has made a suicide attempt. It provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs and action steps to take, and how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.
The Prevention Toolkit is a collection of suggestions, tools and resources to assist families, school staff, PTAs, community- and faith-based organizations, social clubs and others in promoting the well-being of youth in our community.
Resources for health professionals
If you are a doctor, nurse or other health care professional, take one of CSB's free, online courses to enhance skills for identifying depression and suicide risk and other mental health concerns.
Health care professionals can also download Suicide Safe, an award-winning mobile app from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that helps integrate suicide prevention strategies into practice and helps address suicide risk among patients.
Mental Health First Aid training
Mental Health First Aid is a public education program offered by the CSB that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives. Youth Mental Health First Aid and general Mental Health First Aid courses are available in English and Spanish.
QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer)
QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Suicide Prevention Training teaches participants to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to intervene, and where to refer someone who is in crisis. This virtual training is offered free to the community for anyone ages 16 and older. Learn more about QPR.
