Immediate professional assessment, not guesswork
When a parent hears 'I want to hurt myself,' panic sets in. A psychiatrist quickly assesses actual risk level, what's driving it, and whether home safety or hospitalization is needed.
Teen Mental Health
Urgent psychiatric assessment for teens in crisis, expressing suicidal or self-harm thoughts, or showing sudden mood or behavior changes
Rapid evaluation for adolescents in psychiatric crisis: suicidal ideation, self-harm, acute mood changes, severe anxiety attacks, or acute behavioral escalation. Safety planning and immediate treatment coordination.
Schedule a Consultation →What to Expect
- ✓Rapid risk assessment including suicidal or self-harm thoughts, intent, plan, and access to means
- ✓Evaluation of triggers: recent trauma, loss, social conflict, substance use, or medication changes
- ✓Determination of safety: can the teen remain at home with supervision, or does hospitalization need to be considered
- ✓Development of a crisis safety plan with the family, including emergency contacts and warning signs to watch
- ✓Clear communication with parents about what's happening, what's concerning, and what the next steps are
- ✓Immediate coordination with therapist, school, and emergency services if needed; no teen sent home without a clear care plan
Rapid risk stratification
Assessment determines hospitalization vs. outpatient safety planning within the visit
Written safety plan created
Family and teen leave with clear crisis triggers, warning signs, and emergency protocol
Same-day care coordination
Therapist, school, and emergency resources contacted to activate support immediately
Benefits & Outcomes
Safety plan that everyone understands
We create a written crisis plan: warning signs to watch, things to remove or secure, whom to call, when to go to the ER. Parents and teen both know what to do if things escalate.
Connects to ongoing care fast
A crisis visit isn't the end. We ensure the teen is connected to ongoing therapy, psychiatry, school counseling, or other support before leaving the office.
Reduces ER visits and hospitalizations when possible
Early, thorough crisis assessment and clear safety planning often prevent unnecessary ER referrals and hospitalizations—keeping teens in school and at home when safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
My teen just said they're having thoughts of suicide. What do I do?▾
Don't panic. Call us immediately for an urgent appointment. If your teen is in immediate danger (has a plan, means, or is acting on thoughts), go to the nearest ER or call 911. We can often see crisis referrals same-day or next-day.
Does psychiatric evaluation mean my teen will be hospitalized?▾
Not necessarily. Hospitalization is only recommended if the teen is in immediate danger and cannot be kept safe at home. Often, a strong safety plan, therapy, and family involvement allow a teen to remain home. We evaluate each teen individually.
What's a safety plan, and will we make one?▾
A safety plan is a written list of warning signs, internal coping strategies, people to talk to, professionals to call, and ways to make the home safer. Yes, we create one together during a crisis visit.
How often will my teen need to be seen after a crisis visit?▾
Frequent follow-up is critical after a crisis. Typically weekly or twice-weekly for the first month, then less frequently as stability improves. Ongoing therapy is also usually needed.
What if my teen refuses to go to the appointment?▾
We understand teen resistance, especially around mental health. We work with you on how to frame the visit. Often, teens are relieved to talk to someone who specializes in what they're experiencing. If your teen is in acute danger, emergency services may be needed.
Related Topics
Related Condition
Depression Treatment
Psychiatric management of depression in adolescents
Related Condition
Anxiety Treatment
Assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in teens
Provider Specialty
Adolescent Psychiatrist Maryland
Comprehensive psychiatric care for adolescents across all conditions and crises
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Schedule your consultation today.
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