How to Get Help in an Emergency

In Malheur County, call (541) 889-9167 or 1-800-995-9169.

In Umatilla County, call (541) 276-6207 or 1-866-343-4473.

If danger to self or others is imminent, immediately call 911.

Lifeways is here for you. We provide mental health crisis services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call us.

During business hours, your call will be received by one of our receptionists.  Do not hesitate to ask to be connected immediately with one of our trained mental health counselors.

If you call when our offices are closed, your call will be answered by a qualified mental health professional.  Tell this person what you are feeling.  If it appears that you need to be seen immediately, the person answering your call will contact the on-call mental health counselor in your area and arrange an immediate face-to-face meeting.

Suicide Prevention

What if I am feeling suicidal? Remember that:

• Suicidal thoughts are temporary.  Suicide is permanent.  Don’t give in to suicidal thoughts – you can overcome them.
• Your feelings of hopelessness are not the truth; they are only feelings.  Remind yourself that suicidal thoughts are not reality.
• If you are thinking of suicide, it is important to recognize these thoughts for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness.  They are not true and they are not your fault.  Don’t let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends; tell someone right away.
• Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person, someone you can talk with honestly.  Try not to be alone when you feel this way.  This may mean sitting quietly with a family member or friend, going to a support group or going to a hospital emergency room.
• Suicidal thinking can be treated.  When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that, more than ever, you need help from a professional.
• Know that you can get through this.  Promise yourself you will hold on for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can manage.
• If you are feeling "out of control", it's important to seek help immediately – even if you are not having suicidal thoughts.