When someone you love is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say or where to turn. This guide shares national and local Roanoke Valley mental-health resources for people experiencing a crisis, as well as for parents, caregivers, and friends who are concerned about someone they love.
Need help now?
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental-health or substance-use crisis, or emotional distress — or for anyone worried about a loved one. You can also chat online.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mental health resources in the Roanoke and Salem Area
In addition to 988, there is local support available in the Roanoke Valley Area for people experiencing a mental-health crisis or thoughts of suicide.
- Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (BRBH) 24/7 Crisis Services
Local crisis help is available around the clock. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare serves Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and surrounding communities, helping individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis. Call for crisis assessment, guidance, and help connecting with appropriate local services.
Contact: 540-981-9351
Website: https://www.brbh.org/ - Carilion Clinic CONNECT
When you or someone you love needs urgent mental health support, Carilion Clinic CONNECT can help. This 24/7 psychiatric crisis assessment and referral service helps individuals and families determine the next step and connect with appropriate care.
Contact: 540-981-8181
Website: https://www.carilionclinic.org/ - Salem VA Health Care System — Suicide Prevention
Veterans and their loved ones can find support through the Salem VA Health Care System’s suicide prevention services. Call the Suicide Prevention Team for local assistance. For immediate, confidential crisis support, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Family members and friends who are concerned about a Veteran can also reach out.
Contact: 540-982-2463, ext. 2436
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1; or text 838255
Website: https://www.va.gov/salem-health-care/ - BRBH Crisis Stabilization & Detox Center
For someone who needs more support than an outpatient appointment can provide, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare’s Crisis Stabilization & Detox Center offers short-term care for serious mental health or substance-use concerns. The center is located at 3003 Hollins Road NE in Roanoke. Call to ask about services, admissions, and the appropriate next step.
Contact: 540-344-6208
Website: https://www.brbh.org/ - BRBH Child and Family Crisis Intervention
When a child or teen is struggling, families may need extra support. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare’s Child and Family Crisis Intervention program provides short-term help for children and adolescents experiencing a significant mental health or behavioral crisis. Services may be provided in the office, home, or community. Call for program information and referral requirements.
Contact: 540-981-1102
After-hours crisis line: 540-981-9351
Website: https://www.brbh.org/ - NAMI Roanoke Valley
You don’t have to navigate mental health challenges alone. NAMI Roanoke Valley offers free support groups, education, and resources for individuals living with mental health conditions and the family members and friends who care about them. Whether you’re looking for a place to talk, learn more, or connect with others who understand, this local affiliate is a great place to start.
Contact: 540-627-5533
Email: info@namiroanokevalley.org
Website: https://namiroanokevalley.org - BRBH Prevention & Community Wellness
Supporting mental health starts before a crisis. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare’s Prevention & Community Wellness team offers education and prevention resources for families, schools, and community groups, including suicide prevention and youth substance-use prevention. It’s a helpful local resource for parents and organizations looking to build awareness and support mental wellness in our community.
Website: https://www.brbh.org/ - BRBH Peer Warm Line
Sometimes you just need someone who understands. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare’s Peer Warm Line offers a supportive conversation with someone who has lived experience with mental health or substance-use challenges. This is not an emergency service; if you or someone you love is in crisis, call 988 or the BRBH crisis line.
Contact: 540-655-3213
Website: https://www.brbh.org/ - LewisGale Medical Center — RESPOND Crisis & Referral Line
When you or someone you love needs urgent mental health support, LewisGale’s RESPOND line is available 24/7. Families can speak with a trained mental health professional for a free psychiatric assessment, guidance, and referrals to appropriate care. The service can help with concerns about depression, anxiety, substance use, or a possible mental health crisis.
Contact: 540-776-1100 or 800-541-9992
Website: https://www.hcavirginia.com/locations/lewisgale-medical-center/about-us
Location: 1900 Electric Road, Salem, VA 24153
If your child tells you they may hurt themselves
Hearing this can feel frightening, but you do not have to handle it alone. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and thank your child for telling you. It is OK to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Take every statement, note, or threat seriously.
- Stay with your child if you believe they may be in immediate danger.
- Help make the environment safer by securing medications, firearms, and other potentially dangerous items.
- Call or text 988 together for immediate guidance and support.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is immediate danger.
- Follow up with a pediatrician, therapist, school counselor, or other qualified mental-health professional for continued support.
How to support someone you are worried about
You do not need to have the perfect words. A caring, direct conversation can be an important first step. Listen without judgment and let them share what they are feeling.
- Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide.
- Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret.
- Help connect them with support, including 988, a trusted adult, or a mental-health professional.
- Check in again after the conversation.
For more guidance, read the National Institute of Mental Health’s 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide.
Small acts of care and connection matter. Reach out, listen, and remind the people you love that they are not alone and help is available.
For more information about warning signs and how to help someone in crisis, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the National Institute of Mental Health.
