Make a support and crisis plan
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The idea in everyday life
Write early warning signs, daily supports, care steps, trusted contacts, safer-environment actions, crisis services, and emergency steps.
A plan written during a steadier moment is easier to use when thinking and energy are limited.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
List your early signs, strong warning signs, reasons for living or staying safe, grounding steps, safer places, and people who can be contacted.
- 2
Add clinician, pharmacy, crisis, 988, local mobile crisis, urgent care, emergency department, 911, transport, and insurance information as applicable.
- 3
Review the plan with a qualified professional or trusted support when possible, store it accessibly, and set a date to update it.
See how it works.
Casey saves the plan offline, shares the relevant part with a trusted friend, and reviews it with a clinician after the first visit.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a private support and crisis plan with warning levels, actions, contacts, safer-environment steps, backup access, and review date.
- Check this common mistake: Creating a vague list that omits urgent contacts, transport, access barriers, or what a trusted person should actually do.
- The plan gives concrete actions at each warning level and can be found and used quickly by you or an authorized supporter.
What to finish
A private support and crisis plan with warning levels, actions, contacts, safer-environment steps, backup access, and review date.
Watch for this
Creating a vague list that omits urgent contacts, transport, access barriers, or what a trusted person should actually do.
How can I tell I understand it?
The plan gives concrete actions at each warning level and can be found and used quickly by you or an authorized supporter.
Quick knowledge check
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Mental Health Minute: Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents
From National Institute of Mental Health. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
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