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Youth Crisis Intervention

The mental health emergency number for children and youth under the age of 18 who live in Jackson or Perry county is the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049. CARES staff will dispatch a youth crisis counselor who will determine whether psychiatric hospitalization is required to assure safety. Emergency staff will respond to a call from CARES at any time.

The emergency number for runaway and locked-out youth who are at least 11, but not yet 18, is 618-351-1245. Law enforcement and school personnel who have a runaway or locked-out youth at their headquarters or in their office can call this 24-hour page-out number when immediate response from youth emergency staff is needed. Parents who want to report a runaway should call their local police department for assistance.

You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. There are over 120 crisis centers across the country that share the mission of providing immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.

For further information about youth crisis assistance, call 618-457-6703 (Jackson County) and ask for Crisis Manager at extension 229.

Adult Crisis Intervention

Adults who are at least 18 years of age can access crisis mental health services in Jackson County at any time by going to the nearest Jackson County hospital emergency room.  If hospital staff determine that crisis intervention is needed, they will page a SIRSS emergency counselor.  The emergency counselor will come to the hospital to assess whether the individual is in need of psychiatric hospitalization or other services.

Walk-in crisis services are also available at SIRSS (604 East College Street, Carbondale) Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis.  If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area.  There are over 120 crisis centers across the country that share the mission of providing immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.  Call for yourself, or someone you care about.  Your call is free and confidential.

For more information, call 618-457-6703 ext 229 (Jackson County).