What is a crisis?
A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
What is suicidal and homicidal ideation?
If you feel unsafe, wanting to harm yourself or another person, or if someone you know (family member, friend etc) is making threats to harm themself or someone else, then this is suicidal and homicidal ideation.
What is an Acute Psychiatric Crisis?
This is the generic term for a situation in which a person is mentally volatile, suicidal, psychotic, or suffering from acute mental decompensation.
What should I do during a crisis?
Attempt to find a safe place, this could be a neighbor’s house, your bedroom, your car, or the corner store. If you’re engaged in self harm or have a weapon, place it in an out of reach area (another room, etc). Call 911 or one of the following crisis hotlines. If for some reason you can not get connected, please try one of the other numbers listed until you reach someone.
In an emergency requiring an immediate response, please call 911. If you are having suicidal or homicidal ideation or having a psychiatric crisis it is important to tell the 911 operator that you are facing a Behavioral Health Emergency (Psychiatric Crisis) and request a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) trained officer that is skilled at helping a person in an emotional crisis.
StarVista Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center is a partner of the San Mateo County Pride Center and provides a free, confidential, nonjudgmental, 24-hour crisis line to callers in San Mateo County. They are an LGBTQ+ affirming organization.
- For 24-hour chat services click Lifeline Crisis Chat
- For immediate help, you can call the StarVista’s Crisis Hotline at 650-579-0350
For additional resources, please visit the StarVista Crisis Center or our download our Crisis Hotlines Flyer (updated Feb 2023).
Local and National Hotlines
650-579-0350- StarVista Crisis Line (San Mateo County)
800-273-8255- Suicide Hotline
888-628-9454- Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (en Español)
877-565-8860- Trans Lifeline*
866-488-7386- Trevor Lifeline (ages 13-24)
888-843-4564- LGBTQ+ National Hotline*
888-234-7243- SAGE Hotline for LGBTQ+ Elders* (50+)
800-300-1080- Relationship Abuse & Domestic Violence (CORA)
888-220-7575- Parent Support Line
800-367-2437- HIV/AIDS Hotline* (English & Spanish)
415-200-2920- HIV/AIDS Textline
650-573-3950- Alcohol and Drug Hotline (San Mateo County)
800-931-2237- Eating Disorder Helpline (Referrals and Information)*
800-366-8288- Self Harm Hotline (S.A.F.E Alternatives)*
800-656-4673- Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline (San Mateo County)
650-692-7273- Rape Trauma Services Crisis Line (English & Spanish)
800-273-8255- Veterans Crisis Line
800-786-2929- Runaway Safeline
Text “START” to 741741- Crisis Text Line (free & confidential)
855-845-7415- Peer-Run Warmline (SF Bay Area)
Dial 2-1-1 to receive personalized assistance and connections to local community resources (shelters, transportation, basic needs & more)
Free and available 24/7 in over 150 languages!
In need of food? Call 1-800-984-3663* for referrals to local food banks, hot meal sites, food stamps assistance and more.
800-686-0101*, TDD: 800-943-2833* “ ACCESS Call Center for San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services:
The ACCESS Call Center is the gateway that can guide you through all the different and appropriate services offered by San Mateo County. Initial appointments are evaluations from which treatment plans and next steps are determined.
800-662-4357- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Routing Service:
SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Psychiatric Emergency Services are available 24/7 at:
San Mateo Medical Center
222 West 39th Ave., San Mateo, CA, 94403
Phone: (650) 573-2662
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: (650) 696-5915
Asterisks (*) indicate hotlines that may not be available 24 hours a day.
How can the San Mateo County Pride Center help me when I am in crisis?
- 24 hour on-call services are not currently part of the offerings at the San Mateo County Pride Center
- Therapist and case managers provide agency cell numbers to participants receiving services for crisis calls
- Participants are encouraged to call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) if a crisis occurs after Pride Center hours or on weekends/holidays
County and State Government, Community Health, Consultants, Crisis Lines, Education, Family/Adoption/Foster Support, Homeless and Runaway, Political and Advocacy, CPS, Religious and Spiritual Support, Support and Social Groups are available on our Resources page