Get Help

“But the truth about asking for help is that no problem is too big or too small.
Asking for help many be scary, but it’s also one of the bravest things you can do.”

-Trevor Project

Need Help Now?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Getting Help for Yourself

Finding a good therapist or counselor can be difficult and you may not find the perfect one on the first try. You deserve a therapist that will work for you. 

Click here for some helpful tips and see local resources below.

Find a therapist in your area
how to tell your parents you want to see a counselor/therapist

Getting Help for Someone Else

Listen without judgement!

  • If you think someone may be suicidal, ask the person, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
    • This question DOES NOT suddenly put the idea of suicide in their head. If anything, this question helps to release stress and will help the person open up about their thoughts and feelings.
    • Ask if they have a plan.
    • Seek immediate and professional help.
  • Tell the person you are concerned and that you want to help.
  • Ask questions to show you genuinely care and want to understand.
  • Ask yourself about and look into potential risk factors:
    • Has this person been using alcohol and other drugs?
    • Has this person made a suicide attempt in the past?

You should NEVER agree to keep the risk of suicide a secret.

What to Say

  • I’m sorry you feel this way.
  • This must be very difficult for you, I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.
  • I’m here if you’d like to talk.
  • What can I do to help you?
  • I’m not sure what to say right now, I’m just so glad you told me.

What Not to Say

  • Chin up! You’ll be fine.
  • Everything happens for a reason.
  • I know exactly how you feel.
  • It’s really not that bad.
  • Stop stressing.

– Reminder! –

Keep in mind, you don’t need to know exactly what to say! Sometimes it is hard when people tell us deep feelings.
The best thing you can do is listen and take care of yourself/debrief afterwards.

Local Mental Health Programs & Supports

Beacon Mental Health (formerly Tri-County Mental Health Services) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center which provides mental health and substance use treatment services to adults and youth living in Clay, Platte, and Ray Counties.

Main Office Phone: 816-468-0400
24/7 Crisis Line: 888-279-8188
Walk-In Intake Screenings (Open Access)
Main Office (Mental Health Treatment)
Monday-Friday 8:30am – 1:00pm
3100 NE 83rd St Suite 1001 Kansas City, MO 64119
Richmond Office (Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment)
Tuesday 9:00am – 12:00pm and Thursday 11:00am – 2:00pm
108 W North Main Richmond, MO 64085
Chouteau Office – CSTAR (Substance Use Treatment)
Intakes by appointment only. Call 816-452-6550.
4420 NE Chouteau Tfwy Suite 101 Kansas City, MO 64117

The Compassionate Ear Warmline

The Compassionate Ear Warmline is a peer-operated listening service for persons in need of support. Available 4pm to 10pm daily, including holidays.

Services offered include:

  • Non-crisis supportive listening from trained Warmline operators with lived experience
  • Coping strategies
  • Information
  • A reprieve from loneliness and isolation
  • Human service training and esteem-building employment opportunities for persons with mental illness
  • The line does not handle crisis or suicide calls but has the capacity to transfer those calls accordingly

    • The Compassionate Ear Warmline Phone Number: 913-281-2251

    Rediscover Mental Heath Services

    ReDiscover provides comprehensive programs and services for men, women, and children whose lives have been affected by mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
    ReDiscover Phone Number: 816-966-0900
    24/7 Crisis Line: 888-279-8188