Mental Health Crisis & Suicide Prevention Resources
At As You Are Counseling, we recognize that mental health challenges can sometimes become overwhelming, and knowing where to turn for help is not always easy. We have compiled this list of mental health crisis resources, suicide prevention services, and higher levels of care to help individuals, families, and loved ones connect with appropriate support.
Whether you are experiencing emotional distress, struggling with suicidal thoughts, supporting someone who may be at risk, or seeking additional treatment options, these resources can help you identify possible next steps. We have included local Lancaster County services, national crisis hotlines, specialized support resources, and treatment programs ranging from crisis intervention to inpatient psychiatric care.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You do not have to navigate difficult moments alone. Help is available, and reaching out is an important step toward safety and support.
IMMEDIATE CRISIS & SUICIDE PREVENTION
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is available for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, self-harm concerns, and mental health crises. Online chat is also available.
Website: https://988lifeline.org/
Lancaster County Crisis Intervention
Phone: 717-394-2631
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Lancaster County residents experiencing a mental health crisis, including suicidal or homicidal thoughts. Services include crisis assessment, outreach when available, referrals, and coordination of additional care.
Website: https://www.lancastercountybhds.org/148/Crisis-Intervention
Crisis Text Line
Text PA to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor by text, free of charge, 24/7.
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Lancaster County Warmline
Phone: 717-945-9976
Peer support for individuals experiencing emotional distress who would benefit from talking with someone. Check the website for current operating hours and availability.
Website: https://namilancopa.org/crisis-info/
LGBTQ+ & Transgender Support
Trans Lifeline
Phone: 877-565-8860
Peer support provided by and for transgender people, including trans and questioning individuals seeking connection and support. Check the website for current operating hours.
Website: https://translifeline.org/
The Trevor Project
Phone: 866-488-7386
Text START to 678-678, or access online chat for crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people.
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
LGBTQ+ individuals can call or text 988 for crisis support related to suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, identity-related distress, and other emotional challenges.
Website: https://988lifeline.org/
Veterans & Military-Connected Individuals
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or access online chat for free, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their loved ones.
Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Abuse
YWCA Lancaster Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
24-hour sexual assault hotline: 717-392-7273
Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals, and support for survivors of sexual violence and those impacted by sexual abuse or assault. Contact the organization for current counseling and advocacy services.
Website: https://ywcalancaster.org/sexual-assault-prevention-and-counseling-center
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 800-799-7233
Text START to 88788 for confidential support, safety planning, and connections to local resources.
Website: https://www.thehotline.org/
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Phone: 800-656-4673
Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Online support is also available.
Website: https://rainn.org/
Higher Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Treatment
STR Behavioral Health – Lancaster
610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603
Admissions: 833-925-1604
STR Lancaster provides structured outpatient treatment for adults experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring concerns. Services include a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), offering more intensive support than traditional outpatient therapy while allowing clients to remain connected to their homes, families, and communities.
Treatment is individualized and evidence-based. Contact admissions to discuss eligibility, insurance coverage, and the appropriate level of care. STR Lancaster provides outpatient services and is not an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Website: https://strbehavioralhealth.com/location/lancaster-outpatient/
Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization
Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital
333 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Main phone: 717-740-4100
Admissions and assessments: 717-740-4160
Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital provides inpatient psychiatric treatment, crisis stabilization, and 24-hour care for adolescents and adults who require a higher level of psychiatric support. Services include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and structured therapeutic programming.
Contact the hospital directly to determine eligibility, admission availability, and the appropriate level of care. Assessments and admissions are subject to clinical evaluation.
Website: https://lancasterbehavioral.org/
Important: When a person presents with imminent risk, a recent suicide attempt, or an inability to maintain safety, arrange emergency evaluation rather than relying solely on an outpatient referral. Call 911 when immediate emergency intervention is required. Lancaster County Crisis Intervention at 717-394-2631 can also help assess a psychiatric crisis and coordinate appropriate services.
Substance Use & Additional Community Support
SAMHSA National Helpline
Phone: 800-662-4357
Provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use treatment.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Disaster Distress Helpline
Phone: 800-985-5990
Provides emotional support following disasters and other traumatic events.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
PA 211
Dial 211 or visit the website for connections to housing, food assistance, utility assistance, and other community resources that may affect mental health and well-being.
Website: https://www.pa211.org/
Mental Health America of Lancaster County
Phone: 717-397-7461
Provides mental health education, advocacy, and information about community support resources.
Website: https://mhalancaster.org/
Important Information
The resources on this page are provided to help individuals and families connect with appropriate support. Phone numbers, operating hours, eligibility, and service availability may change. Contact each organization directly to confirm current services.
This resource list is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for emergency assessment, individualized clinical care, or professional medical advice.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reaching out can be the first step toward safety, support, and healing.
At As You Are Counseling, we believe you deserve to be met with compassion, dignity, and understanding, especially during life’s most difficult moments. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate these moments alone. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone you love, we hope these resources help you find a path toward safety, connection, and healing.
You are worthy of care, you deserve support, and you are always welcome to come as you are.