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NAMI fights for policies to ensure people in crisis get help, not handcuffs. In a mental health crisis, people with mental illness frequently encounter police rather than get medical attention. As a result, people with mental illness are over-represented in the criminal justice system. A person in a psychiatric crisis should have access to robust crisis services instead of a law enforcement response.
NAMI believes that public policies and practices should promote access to care for people with mental health conditions. NAMI supports the development and expansion of mental health crisis response systems in every community.
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NAMI believes that public policies should be guided by credible, evidence-based research. NAMI supports Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that focus on specific, current behaviors and evidence-based risk factors for violence. NAMI opposes any ERPO laws that target, single out, or discriminate against people with mental health conditions.
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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers confidential 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. NAMI believes that the 988 Lifeline should be an entry point for every person to receive support for immediate crises and also connect people in need to the care, support and resources they need to get well, and stay well throughout and after a crisis.
NAMI believes people in mental health crisis deserve a mental health response. NAMI supports public policies and laws that ensure help seekers contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are immediately connected to the nearest crisis call center, referred to as georouting, while protecting privacy and confidentiality.
MoreNAMI believes that public policies and practices should promote access to care for people with mental health conditions. NAMI supports a nation-wide toll-free hotline that can adequately respond to people experiencing mental health crises.
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NAMI believes that all people with mental health conditions deserve access to supports that promote wellness. NAMI supports public policies and laws that encourage the development and use of psychiatric advance directives (PAD).
MoreNAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
