Suicide Prevention
If you, or someone you know, is in need of IMMEDIATE help:
Call 9-8-8 or seek the nearest Emergency Room:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Support Service: 1-855-634-HOPE (4673)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Suicide is a growing public health concern in the United States, particularly among youth. Young people experiencing suicidal thoughts may not seek help on their own, but those around them—parents, guardians, school staff, and peers—can recognize the warning signs and take swift action to ensure their safety.
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, reach out to a trusted adult—whether it’s a school administrator, counselor, teacher, psychologist, nurse, or parent/guardian.
DO NOT keep it a secret. It’s important to ask for help.
Explore the resources below to learn more about Gatekeepers, how to spot Main Warning Signs, and immediate actions to take. You'll also find information on 24/7 crisis support services and other vital resources.
Important Information
Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers are anyone who has a meaningful and important role in the lives of a young person. They may include relatives, neighbors, teachers, or other school personnel, coaches, youth pastors, etc.
Gatekeepers generally have pretty good knowledge of and first-hand experience with the young people in their lives, either from regular in-person contact or other forms of interaction with them on a regular basis such that they would recognize if something might be wrong or have changed for that person.
If you are concerned about someone, ask yourself the following questions.
Have they shown or shared any of the following?
- Talk about wanting to die, be dead, or about suicide, or are they cutting or burning themselves?
- Feeling like things may never get better, seeming like they are in terrible emotional pain (like something is wrong deep inside but they can’t make it go away), or they are struggling to deal with a big loss in their life?
- Or is your gut telling you to be worried because they have withdrawn from everyone and everything, have become more anxious or on edge, seem unusually angry, or just don’t seem normal to you?
Recognizing the warning signs of youth suicide is critical for early intervention. Key Indicators are listed in the tab below.
Main Warning Signs
Recognizing the warning signs of youth suicide is critical for early intervention. Key indicators include:
Behavioral Signs
- Talking or Writing About Death – Expressing thoughts of dying, suicide, or feeling like a burden.
- Giving Away Belongings – Uncharacteristic behavior of giving away valued possessions.
- Increased Risk-Taking – Engaging in reckless or dangerous activities without concern for consequences.
- Social Withdrawal – Avoiding friends, family, and social activities.
- Changes in Sleeping Patterns – Sleeping too much or too little.
- Sudden Mood Changes – Extreme mood swings, from deep sadness to an unusual sense of calm.
- Self-Harm – Cutting, burning, or engaging in other forms of self-injury.
- Increased Substance Use – Alcohol or drug use as a coping mechanism.
- Loss of Interest – A sudden disinterest in activities they once enjoyed.
Emotional and Verbal Signs
- Expressions of Hopelessness – Saying, “Things will never get better” or “There’s no point in trying.”
- Feeling Like a Burden – Believing that their family or friends would be better off without them.
- Overwhelming Guilt or Shame – Expressing deep feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Persistent Sadness or Despair – Showing ongoing signs of depression.
- Sudden Relief or Calmness – A sudden sense of peace after a period of distress, which may indicate they have made a decision to end their life.
Situational and Environmental Factors
- Recent Loss or Trauma – Death of a loved one, parental divorce, or a significant breakup.
- Bullying or Social Rejection – Being a target of bullying or cyberbullying.
- Academic or Family Pressure – Feeling overwhelmed by expectations.
- Access to Means – Having access to firearms, medication, or other lethal means.
- Prior Suicide Attempts – A history of self-harm or previous suicide attempts increases risk
*For more information, click here to go to the Youth Suicide Warning Signs website.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Take It Seriously – Do not dismiss statements or behaviors as attention-seeking.
- Ask Directly – “Are you thinking about suicide?” (Research shows asking does not increase risk.)
- Remove Access to Lethal Means – Ensure safety by restricting access to weapons, medications, or other methods.
- Seek Professional Help – Contact a crisis hotline, school counselor, therapist, or emergency services if necessary.
- Provide Support – Let them know they are not alone and that help is available.
Emergency Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Resources
If you need IMMEDIATE HELP, call 9-1-1 or 9-8-8 (for suicide prevention) or seek the nearest Emergency Room.
Hotlines and Support Lines
Safe2Say Something
24/7 Anonymous Tip Line to report individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.
1-844-SAFE2SAY (1-844-723-2729)
Submit a tip online
Download the app.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 Hotline Informational Resource
9-8-8 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Support Service (ACCESS Services)
Risk Assessments and Referrals offered 24 hours/7 days per week at no cost.
500 Office Center Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034
24/7 Toll Free: 1-855-634-HOPE (4673)
https://www.accessservices.org/services/mobilecrisis-support/
Crisis Text Line
24/7 Text
Text HOME to 741741
http://www.crisistextline.org/
The Trevor Project
24/7 Phone, Chat, Text Support
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: Text START to 678-678
Trevor Chat: Online Instant Messaging at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Teen Talk Line and the Peer Support Talk Line (Adolescents) (ACCESS Services)
Hotline Informational Resource, 7 days per week (1 p.m.-9 p.m.)
Call: 866-825-5856
Text: 215-703-8411
Email: teentalkline@accessservices.org
https://www.accessservices.org/services/peer-teen-line/
Peer Support Talk Line (Adults) (ACCESS Services)
Hotline Informational Resource, 7 days per week (1 p.m.-9 p.m.)
Call: 1-855-715-TALK (8255)
Text: 267-225-7785
Email: teentalkline@accessservices.org
https://www.accessservices.org/services/peer-teen-line/
Board Policy
View Methacton School District’s Policy 819: Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Response
Hospitals and Emergency Rooms
This list provides a quick reference to area hospitals and emergency rooms, but it is not exhaustive. Please verify coverage with your insurance provider.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
Madlyn K. Abramson Emergency Department at the Middleman Family Pavilion
550 South Goddard Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Emergency Room: 800-879-2467
https://www.chop.edu/king-prussia-campus-visit
Suburban Community Hospital
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
2701 DeKalb Street Norristown, PA 19401
610-278-2000
Emergency Room: 610-278-2304
https://www.suburbanhosp.org
Einstein Medical Center - Montgomery
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
599 West Germantown Pike
East Norriton, PA 19403
1-800-346-7834 or 484-622-1000
Emergency Room: 484-622-0611
https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/locations/jefferson-einstein-montgomery-hospital
Jefferson Lansdale Hospital
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
100 Medical Campus Drive
Lansdale, PA 19466
215-368-2100
Emergency Room: 215-361-4440
https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/locations/jefferson-lansdale-hospital
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
130 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-526-3000
Emergency Room: 484-337-3770
https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/bryn-mawr-hospital
Paoli Hospital
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Stabilization, and Referrals
255 W Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, PA 19301
484-565-1000
https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/paoli-hospital
Psychiatric Hospitals
This list provides a quick reference to psychiatric hospitals, but it is not exhaustive. Please verify coverage with your insurance provider.
Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Referrals, In-patient Treatment
7170 Lafayette Avenue
Fort Washington, PA 19034
215-641-5300
Toll Free: 1-800-256-5300
24/7 Assessment & Referral: 215-641-5404
https://brookeglenhospital.com
Fairmount Behavioral Health System
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Referrals, In-patient Treatment, and Partial Hospitalization Programs
561 Fairthorne Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
216-487-4000
24/7 Assessment & Referral: 215-487-4100
https://fairmouthbhs.com
Foundations Behavioral Health
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Referrals, In-patient Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Residential Treatment Programs
833 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-0444
Toll Free: 1-800-445-4722
24/7 Assessment & Referral: 215-345-4722
https://fbh.com
The Horsham Clinic
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Referrals, In-patient Treatment, and Partial Hospitalization Programs
722 East Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
215-643-7800
Toll Free: 1-800-237-4447
24/7 Assessment & Referral: 215-540-1611
https://horshamclinic.org
The Student Assistance Program
Aldersgate - Methacton School District's Student Assistance Program (SAP) Provider
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator: Aldersgate Contact: Lael Houston: lhouston@methacton.org Methacton contact: Jennifer Johnson: jjohnson@methacton.org
49 Easton Rd Suite 203, Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 657-4545
https://www.aldersgateservices.org/student-assistance-program
Outpatient Behavioral Health
This list provides a quick reference to area outpatient behavioral health services, but it is not exhaustive. Please verify coverage with your insurance provider.
Central Behavioral Health
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Psychiatric Services, Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), Family Based Services (FBS), Case Management Services
*Accepts Pennsylvania Medical Assistance wand families with no health insurance
1201 DeKalb Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-279-9270
Fax: (610) 279-4146
https://www.centralbh.org
Child and Family Focus, Inc.
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Psychiatric Services, Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), Family Based Services (FBS), Case Management Services
*Accepts Pennsylvania Medical Assistance
2935 Byberry Rd., Suite 108
Hatboro, PA 19040
215-957-9771
https://www.childandfamilyfocus.org
Children's Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC)
Assessments, Evaluations, Trauma Services, Family-based Services, Outpatient Services, and Blended Case Management Studies
*Accepts Pennsylvania Medical Assistance
502 West Germantown Pike
East Norriton, PA 19403
610-275-2020
https://www.cctckids.org
Childhood Solutions, PC
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Counseling Services
455 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 250
Fort Washington, PA 19034
215-653-0363
Fax: 215-653-0361
https://childhoodsolutions.com
Childhood Solutions Satellite Office:
1256 Round Hill Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
CM Counsel
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Evaluations, Counseling Services, Psychiatric Services
525 Plymouth Road, Suite 308
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
610-825-9400
Fax: 610-825-7130
https://cmcounsel.com
Conshohocken Counseling Services
Assessments and Counseling Services
20 West 6th Avenue
Forest Street Entrance
Conshohocken, PA 19428
484-362-9121
Email: inquiries@conshohockencounseling.com
https://conshohockencounseling.com
CW Psychological
Assessments, Evaluations, and Counseling Services
491 Allendale Road, Suite 301
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-308-7575
https://cwpsychologicalservices.com/
Evergreen Counseling
Assessments, Evaluations, and Counseling Services
18 Elizabeth Street, Suite 300, Conshohocken, PA 19428
215-247-5400
https://www.evergreenassociates.com
Additional Location:
Top of the Hill Plaza
8705 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Ethos Treatment, LLC
Assessments, Evaluations, Counseling Services, and Psychiatric Services (various locations)
3031-A Walton Road
Suite 300
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
267-669-0300
Fax: 267-604-0202
Email: info@ethostreatment.com
https://www.ethostreatment.com
The Growth and Recovery Center
Assessments, Evaluations, and Counseling Services
452 East Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-828-4298
https//thegrowthandrecoverycenter.com
Lower Merion Counseling and Mobile Services
Assessments, Evaluations, Counseling Services, Psychiatric Services, and Case Management Services
*Accepts Pennsylvania Medical Assistance
7 East Lancaster Avenue
Adrmore, PA 19010
610-520-1510
https://www.rhd.org/LMCMS
Main Line Therapy Solutions
Assessments, Evaluations, and Counseling Services
630A Germantown Pike, First Floor
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-649-6344
https://mainlinetherapysolutions.com
Additional Location:
600 Haverford Road
Suite G104
Haverford, PA 19041
J. Synder Therapeutic Services (Optum Behavioral Care)
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Counseling Services, Psychiatric Services
VEVA Building 12
1777 Sentry Park West, Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422
215-767-7096
Fax: 215-362-4729
https://jsyndertherapy.com
Springfield Behavioral of Pennsylvania (Optum Behavioral Care)
Risk/Level of Care Assessments, Counseling Services, Psychiatric Services
920 West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA 19083
610-554-2110 ext. 120
Fax: (610) 446-3169
https://springpsych.com
Other Community-based Support Services
Family Services
The Family Services of Montgomery County offers a number of helpful free programs. Their Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) provides parents/guardians with useful strategies and simple tips that assist them in managing common behavior problems and building strong healthy relationships.
Click here to visit the Family Services of Montgomery County website.
Domestic Abuse: Laurel House
Laurel House offers services that are essential to the safety of victims currently with their abuser and those healing from an abusive relationship, including:
- Hotline and Textline for anyone wishing to talk about their relationship and for those who are worried about a friend or loved one
- Hotline: 1-800-642-3150 (24-hour)
- Textline: Text "HOPE" to 85511 (real-time responses Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m.)
- Supportive Services: clinical counseling, crisis response (DART), medical advocacy, children's program
- Housing: emergency shelter, transitional housing
- Legal Services: legal advocacy, civic legal representation
- Preventative Education: educating young people about domestic and dating abuse
All of Laurel House services are free and confidential. Teens aged 14 and older can utilize services without parental consent.