Asking for Help Can Feel Hard
Reaching out for help can feel like a big step. You are not alone. When you contact Mental Health Association in Orange County’s Crisis Call Center, you will be met with a real person who is there to listen, support, and help you figure out what comes next.
What Happens When You Call or Text
When you call or text, a trained counselor will respond. They will:
- Listen to what is going on without judgment
- Ask a few questions to understand how you are feeling and what you need
- Help you talk through the situation at your pace
- Work with you to identify options, resources, or next steps
- Stay with you on the call or text while you feel supported
There is no script you need to follow and nothing you need to prepare. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
Your Privacy
Your conversation is private.
What you share stays between you and the counselor, and it is only used to support you and help connect you to resources if you want them. Information is not shared with others without your permission in most situations.
When Emergency Services Might Be Involved
Your safety matters.
If the counselor believes that you or someone else is in immediate danger, they may need to involve emergency services or a local response team to help keep you safe.
If possible, the counselor will talk with you about this and involve you in the process. The goal is always to support you, not to take control away from you.
Support for Sexual Assault Survivors
If you are reaching out about sexual violence, you can receive support in a safe and respectful way.
- You can speak with a trained advocate
- You decide what you want to share
- You choose what happens next
- You can get information about your options without pressure
You are in control of your decisions, and your voice matters.
You Are Not Alone
People reach out for many reasons. You do not need to be in crisis to contact us.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, need someone to talk to, or are looking for help for yourself or someone else, we are here.
- Call 311 or 1-800-832-1200
- Call or text 988
- Text 845-391-1000 (Text4Teens)
