Programs that provide immediate assistance for people experiencing a mental health crisis such as a psychotic episode with the objective of defusing the crisis, often working closely with mobile crisis teams on standby, and helping the person develop a plan to link with resources for ongoing assistance, if required. A mental health crisis is a non-life threatening situation in which an individual exhibits extreme emotional disturbance or behavioral distress, is considering harm to him or herself or others, is disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a compromised ability to function, or is otherwise agitated and unable to be calmed. Other common indicators include feelings of intense sadness or depression, sleeping or eating problems, anxiety, severe distress, grief, anger or aggression, scattered, unfocused thinking, self-doubt, loss of motivation, lack of patience or irritability and paranoia. The service is generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text.

Programs that provide immediate assistance for individuals who are having suicidal feelings with the objective of helping them explore alternatives to self-harm or self-destruction. Included are local, accredited hotlines, countywide and statewide programs, programs offered by local nonprofit organizations and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of more than 180 local crisis centers. Suicide prevention workers establish and maintain contact with the individual while identifying and clarifying the focal problem, evaluate the suicidal potential, assess the individual's strengths and resources, and mobilize available resources including paramedic or police intervention and emergency psychiatric care as needed. These programs can also help individuals who are worried about the potentially suicidal behavior of another with the objective of helping them identify warning signs and provide options for seeking further help. Hotline staff are generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated 988 as the three digit dialing code that will replace or supplement the existing toll free number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The deadline for implementation by all voice service providers is set for July 16, 2022.

Programs that provide an opportunity for people who are emotionally distressed and/or for their significant others to meet face-to-face with someone who has been trained to assess and resolve the immediate crisis, if possible, and to link the person with appropriate resources for ongoing assistance.

Mental disorders that are generally diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence and require treatment prior to the individual reaching adulthood.