What should you do when your child is in crisis? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six youth between 6 to 17-years-old experiences a mental health condition. A mental health crisis is just as important to address as any other health care crisis.
On Monday, YWCA St. Paul Parent’s Program participants heard from Ramsey County Child Crisis Response about the 24/7, 365 services they offer to families who are seeking help for a child in crisis as an alternative to calling 9-1-1.
Crisis outreach is provided by licensed mental health professionals who can talk to you by phone, or meet you in person at home, at school, or anywhere within Ramsey County to assess and stabilize the immediate crisis. They serve children up to age 18.
When might you call the 24-hour Children’s Crisis Response hotline?
- If your child is suicidal or has self-harming behaviors
- If your child is having dysregulated behaviors at school, home or both
- If your child is having frequent temper tantrums
- If your child is refusing to go to school
- For resources on how to help with anxiety or depression in children
- If your child is destroying property
- Parent-child conflict
The Child Crisis Response Team will work with parents or guardians who are seeking support and counseling. Whether that be simply talking through how to de-escalate the immediate crisis, or directing families to the appropriate resources available for your child. “There’s no such thing as a crisis too small – we’d rather you call us sooner rather than later.”
Mental health crisis response is provided regardless of ability to pay; however, it is covered by most insurance plans.
24/7 Ramsey County Child Crisis Response Hotline: 651-266-7878.
Walk-in crisis services are available Monday-Sunday at 402 University Ave., E., St. Paul, Minnesota.
Read more about crisis and emergency planning here.