---
title: "Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts"
slug: "suicidal-thoughts-2"
updated: 2026-02-26T22:27:21Z
published: 2026-02-26T22:27:21Z
canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/suicidal-thoughts-2"
---

> ## Documentation Index
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> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts

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## What Should You Do If Your Feelings of Self-harm or Suicide Feel Strong?

Sometimes when people feel [**depressed or anxious**](/v1/docs/childhood-adolescent-depression), thoughts about wanting to hurt themselves can arise. This can be due to a desire to “escape” from their current negative feelings and replace it with more tangible physical pain. Sometimes, patients seek out a way to feel “something, anything” if they have been experiencing emotional numbness. These feelings are real and potentially dangerous and should be taken seriously. If patients are feeling urges to hurt themselves, the first thing to do is to tell someone right away – a family member or a friend. They should try to be in the same physical space as someone else rather than alone.

Physical movement (ex. walking, running in place, jumping jacks) as well as intense sensory experiences (ex. hot/cold shower, holding ice in their hands or drinking an iced beverage) can also distract their senses to focus more on the physical senses rather than the urges to hurt themselves, allowing time for those thoughts to cool off. If these feelings remain strong or become increasingly difficult to resist, patients MUST seek emergent medical care right away.

If you are in crisis, you can always go to your nearest **emergency room** or call **911** (ask for the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team or PERT). **Having strong suicide or self-harm thoughts are considered medical emergencies!**

## Phone and Text Lines

### [Access and Crisis Line](https://up2sd.org/) 🔗: 888-724-7240

Trained and experienced counselors are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to provide support, referrals, and crisis intervention.

### [Crisis Text Line](https://www.crisistextline.org/) 🔗 741-741

### [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) 🔗 988

Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

### California Mental Health Line Phone/Text 855.845.7415

Mon-Fri 7 am – 11 pm

Sat 7 am – 3 pm

Sun7 am – 9 pm

## Behavioral/Mental Health Urgent Care and Crisis Centers

San Diego CountyRiverside County

[**Rady Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care**](https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/behavioral-health-2/programs/behavioral-health-urgent-care/) 🔗

Appointment and walk-in clinic staffed by psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social workers and a case manager. Translation services are available

4305 University Ave, Suite 150

San Diego, CA 92105

858-966-5484

**For walk-in hours and more information,** [**click here**](https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/behavioral-health/programs/behavioral-health-urgent-care/)**.**

**New Alternatives**

**Crisis Action and Connection**

730 Medical Center Court

Chula Vista, CA 91911

619-591-5740

**New Alternatives**

**North County Behavioral Crisis Center Intervention and Response Team**

225 W. Valley Parkway, Suite 100

760-233-0133

[**Aurora Mental Health**](https://www.aurorasandiego.com/) 🔗

11878 Avenue of Industry

San Diego, CA 92128

858-487-3200

888-565-4228 [24 hours intake line]

[**Sharp Mesa Vista**](https://www.sharp.com/hospitals/mesa-vista/programs/child-teen.cfm) 🔗

7850 Vista Hill Ave

San Diego, CA 92123

858-836-8434

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

[**Rady Children’s Hospital Crisis Center - Oceanside**](https://www.rchsd.org/locations/satellite-locations/oceanside/) 🔗

3605 Vista Way, #258

Oceanside, CA 92056

760-730-5900

Mon-Fri 4-8 pm

Sat-Sun 1-8 pm

[**Emergency Screening Unit (ESU)**](https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/bhs/mental_health_services_children/emergency_and_crisis_mental_health_services.html) 🔗

Hillcrest Neighborhood

4309 3rd Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

619-876-4502

**Urgent Line for Western Riverside County**

951-686-4357

You will be able to speak with a counselor.