Crisis & Emergency Support Resources
Side Quest Psychotherapy
We do not provide crisis intervention or emergency response services, and we may not be able to respond to messages immediately.
If you are overwhelmed, in distress, or unsure what to do next, you deserve support that honors your autonomy and affirms your experience. This page offers a range of options — including peer support, community-based care, and crisis response services — so you can choose what feels safest and most aligned with your needs.
When possible, we note which resources are peer-led and non-carceral and which may involve police, hospitalization, or emergency responders, so you can make informed decisions.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or 988.
Mobile crisis teams can be a helpful option, but they may take longer to arrive.
Understanding Your Options: A Quick Guide
| Option | May Involve Emergency Services? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Peer Support Lines | No (unless requested) | Emotional support, connection, validation |
| 988 | Sometimes (may send crisis teams or police without consent) | Mental health or substance-related crisis |
| 911 | Yes (police, EMS) | Immediate physical danger, medical emergency |
| Mobile Crisis Teams | Sometimes (varies by region) | On-site mental health response, when safety allows |
Peer-Led & Consent-Based Crisis Lines
These services are grounded in mutual aid, lived experience, and harm reduction. They do not involve emergency services unless you request it.
BlackLine (for BIPOC communities): +1 (800) 604-5841
LGBT National Help Center: +1 (888) 843-4564
StrongHearts Native Helpline: +1 (844) 762-8483
THRIVE Lifeline: Text +1 (313) 662-8209
Trans Lifeline: +1 (877) 565-8860
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line: +1 (888) 407-4515
Mainstream Crisis Hotlines
These may involve emergency responders, involuntary intervention, or hospitalization.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth):
Call: +1 (866) 488-7386 | Text: START to 678-678Online Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Collective & Ongoing Support
These organizations offer education, advocacy, and peer-based care outside of traditional mental health systems.
Project LETS – disability justice, peer support, systems navigation
Fireweed Collective – community care, trauma-informed resources, and support beyond diagnosis
Local Psychiatric Urgent Care & Mobile Crisis Services
Maryland
Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Urgent Care
For: Children & Adults
Phone: (410) 938-4357
Locations:
Towson: 6501 N. Charles St, Towson, MD 21204
Elkridge: 7220 Discovery Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075
View current hours (Not 24/7)
Maryland Mobile Crisis Teams
Anne Arundel: (410) 768-5522
Baltimore City: (410) 433-5175
Baltimore County: (410) 931-2214
Calvert: (410) 531-6677
Carroll/Calvert: 1 (800) 422-0009
Harford: (410) 638-5248
Howard: (410) 531-6677
Montgomery: (240) 777-4000
Prince George’s: (301) 429-2185
Washington, DC
Children’s National (Ages 0–17)
Phone: (202) 476-5000
Locations:
111 Michigan Ave NW
1310 Southern Ave SE
DC General Hospital (Adults)
Phone: (202) 673-9319
Address: 1905 E St SE, Building 14
Mobile Crisis Services – DC
Children (ages 6-17): (202) 481-1440
Adults: (202) 673-9300
Virginia
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB)
24/7 Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
Mobile Crisis Response: Available through this line
Arlington County Emergency Services
24/7 Crisis Line: (703) 228-5160
Walk-in hours and mobile team available
Alexandria Community Services Board
24/7 Crisis Line: (703) 746-3401
Services include crisis intervention, mobile outreach, and same-day access
Loudoun County Mental Health Emergency Services
24/7 Crisis Line: (703) 777-0320
Mobile crisis team available