If ever you find that your life is threatened, or if you have found someone else who’s life appears in imminent danger, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Be advised, however, that 9-1-1 calls are always taken seriously. You can expect emergency services — the Police, the Fire Department, or a local Emergency Medical Service — to be dispatched when you call 9-1-1.

If you are unable to follow any urgent care plan you discussed with your provider or if you are unsure about your own safety or the safety of another person, please call The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 9-8-8. Be prepared to explain who you are and what your particular crisis situation is and know that from a crisis center, emergency services may be dispatched to your address.

They are staffed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

You may also negd to go to the nearest emergency room. You should know, however, that emergency rooms receive all types of emergencies and they can be an uncomfortable place to be. Nonetheless, if you feel your safety is questionable, or if you are contemplating suicide or homicide, the emergency room is the place to go. Take along your therapist’s business card and/or their number and allow the hospital staff to contact them. This may require your signature on a Release of Information, but it could assist the hospital with your care.

A Release of Information is a document that provides your therapist with written permission to speak directly with or provide written information to another person or agency. Most therapists take this action quite seriously and even when permission is given to provide information, chatting about you or sharing information casually will not occur.

A Release of Information requires you to name the person to whom you want information given, provide his or her address and telephone number, and list any exclusion to the release that you want. Some information may require additional consent for release. It is important for you to understand why your therapist has requested a release of information and what information will be shared.

Most Releases of Information are time-limited and the period of validity should be expressly stated on the document. You may countermand any authorization of release at any time. This usually requires a statement from you in writing.

ACOA — a free social support group for Adult Children of Alcoholics: (503) 223-8314 (National Website)

Alcohol and Drug Help Line — a telephone referral source: (503) 244-1312

Long Term Care Options — for people who need help meeting their daily health or personal care needs.

Cares NW — assessment and early intervention for sexual abuse:

(503) 280-4943

Cascade AIDS Project — information, referral, testing and help:

(503) 223-5907 (Website)

United Way — a referral line for all sorts of mental health businesses: (503) 222-5555

Emotional Wellness Checklist - Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters – for referral to local Al-Anon and Alateen groups, contact: 1600 Corporate Landing Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454-5617, tele 800/714-7498 or on the web at www.al-anon.alateen.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services – for local AA groups and materials on AA Programs, contact: 475 Riverside Dr., 11th Fl, NY, NY 10115, tele 212/870-3400 or on the web at AA.org.

American Psychiatric Association – for referrals to psychiatrists in your area: APA Public Affairs, Ste., 501, 1400 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005, tele 202/682-6220 or on the web at www.psych.org

American Psychological Association – for referrals to psychologists in your area: 750 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, tele 202/336-5800 or on the web at apa.org.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America – for a list of mental health professionals who treat anxiety disorders and for self-help groups in your area (include $3 for postage and handling) contact: 11900 Parklawn Dr, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 28052-2624, tele 301/231-9350 or on the web at www.adaa.org

Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy – for a list of mental health professionals in your state who practice behavior therapy and/or cognitive behavior therapy, of for “Guidelines for Choosing a Behavior Therapist” (include $5 for postage and handling) contact: 305 7th Ave., 16th Floor, NY, NY, 10001, tele 212-647-1890

Freedom From Fear – newsletter on anxiety disorders and a referral list of treatment specialists contact: 306 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, tele 718/351-1717 or on the web at www.freedomfromfear.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – for referrals to self-help groups and phone numbers of state and regional chapters and affiliates, contact: 200 N. Blebe Rd, Ste 1015, Arlington, VA 22001, tele 800/950-NAMI or on the web at www.nami.org

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) – for educational material and telephone numbers of local affiliations, contact: 121 West 21 St., NY, NY 10010, tele 800/NCA-CALL or on the web at ncadd.org

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association – for a list of support groups in your area: 730 N. Franklin, Suite 501, Chicago, IL, 60610, 800/826-3632 or on the web at ndmda.org

National Mental Health Association – for organizations in your area who provide resources and information on self-help groups, treatment professionals, and community clinics (include $1 for postage and handling): 1021 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314, tele 800/969-NMHA or on the web at www.nmha.org

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation- for a list of mental health professionals in your area who specialize in treating OCD, contact: 9 Depot St., Milford, CT 06460, tele 203/878-5669