Crisis Line helps residents in psychiatric emergencies on 24-hour basis

DUPAGE COUNTY—DuPage County residents who are experiencing psychiatric emergencies, such as thinking of harming themselves or others, severe depression, anxiety, mood swings or mental confusion, or feeling overwhelmed with the stresses of daily life, may call the DuPage County Health Department's Crisis Line on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year.

The Crisis Line is staffed around the clock by behavioral health professionals. Callers are assisted on the phone and may be invited to come into the crisis unit for crisis assessment and counseling, if needed. They also may be referred to other Health Department services or to other service providers in DuPage County.

The crisis unit has a 10-bed crisis residential program for persons experiencing acute psychiatric crises and could benefit from a short respite stay. Qualified examiners are on staff to assist with psychiatric hospitalizations, if indicated.

Crisis services are part of Behavioral Health Services at the Health Department. Nearly 42,000 calls were received at the Crisis Line in 2010. So far this year, the Health Department has received 20,873 calls to the Crisis Line.

Behavioral Health Services offers a wide range of mental health services to DuPage County residents, both adults and children, with psychiatric disorders.

The Crisis Line phone number is (630) 627-1700.

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