If a life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and choose option 2, the mental health option. Samaritans answer on 116 123 at any hour, free.
Key facts
- Life at risk
- Call 999 or go to A&E
- Urgent help in England
- Call 111 and choose option 2, or use 111.nhs.uk
- NHS 111 hours
- 24 hours a day, free to call
- Samaritans
- 116 123, free, 24 hours a day
- Text support
- Text SHOUT to 85258. NHS Practitioner Health lists a 24-hour text line for staff: text NHSPH to 85258.
- Under 19
- Childline 0800 1111
- Scotland
- NHS 24 on 111, mental health option
- Wales
- NHS 111 Wales, press 2
- Northern Ireland
- Lifeline 0808 808 8000
When to call 999 instead of 111
The NHS says a mental health emergency deserves the same response as a physical one. Call 999 or go to A&E if someone has seriously harmed themselves, has taken an overdose, or if you feel unable to keep yourself or another person safe. Stay with the person if you can do so safely.
What happens when you call 111 and choose option 2
Option 2 connects you to a mental health service in your area. You speak to a trained mental health worker by phone. The worker asks what is happening, checks your safety and agrees a next step with you. A next step can be advice for tonight, a call back, a referral to a local crisis team or an urgent assessment. You can also use the online check at 111.nhs.uk.
A GP can give an urgent appointment, advise on treatment and refer you to local services. Some local NHS talking therapies services take self-referrals, which suits problems building over weeks rather than a crisis today.
Text and phone lines outside the NHS
Samaritans give free, confidential support from trained volunteers on 116 123. Shout runs a free text service: text SHOUT to 85258. Childline is for anyone under 19 on 0800 1111, and the number does not appear on the phone bill. Health students in their teens can use Childline as well as student services.
Fear of what a call means for your registration
Many pharmacists, doctors and nurses delay asking for help because they worry about their job or their regulator. A call to 111 or Samaritans is a health matter. Getting treatment is part of practising safely. Our guide to fear of seeking help explains how confidentiality works and when a regulator becomes involved.
NHS Practitioner Health offers free, confidential NHS mental health and addiction care to NHS staff in England who cannot get confidential care through local services. Read our Practitioner Health profile for eligibility.
Urgent numbers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, call NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option to reach the Mental Health Hub. Breathing Space listens on 0800 83 85 87 for people over 16. See our Scotland page.
In Wales, call NHS 111 and press 2 to speak to a mental health worker. The service runs 24 hours a day for all ages and is free from landlines and mobiles. The CALL listening line is on 0800 132 737. See our Wales page.
In Northern Ireland, Lifeline is the crisis response helpline on 0808 808 8000, open 24 hours a day. Textphone users dial 18001 0808 808 8000. See our Northern Ireland page.
After the crisis passes
Once you are safe, plan the next few days. Tell one person you trust what happened. Book a GP appointment. Ask your manager or occupational health about time off or reduced duties. Our guides on burnout, returning to work and supporting a colleague cover the weeks after. The support finder lists services for your profession.
Common questions
What is NHS 111 option 2?
Option 2 is the mental health option on NHS 111 in England. Choosing option 2 connects you to a trained mental health worker in your local NHS area.
Is NHS 111 free to call?
Yes. NHS 111 is free from landlines and mobiles and runs 24 hours a day.
Should I call 999 or 111 for a mental health crisis?
Call 999 or go to A&E if a life is at risk, after serious self-harm or an overdose, or if you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. Call 111 and choose option 2 for urgent help when no one is in immediate danger.
Can I text someone instead of calling?
Yes. Text SHOUT to 85258 for free text support. NHS Practitioner Health also lists a 24-hour text line for health and care staff: text NHSPH to 85258.
What number do I call in Northern Ireland?
Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000, open 24 hours a day. In an emergency call 999.