Amputee Coalition

Finding Help in a Crisis

Experiencing limb loss can be emotionally devastating. While we can arrange for you to talk to another amputee trained in listening skills who has been through an amputation or situation such as yours, these dedicated volunteers are not trained as crisis prevention professionals and should not be called upon if your situation is urgent.

The following information is provided for those who need critical assistance and help in finding local resources that offer professional guidance.

Emergency help

If you are considering harming yourself, or have a family member you are concerned may be suicidal, we ask that you take any of the following steps immediately and ask for help.

• Call 911
• Call your mental health counselor or doctor
• Go to your local hospital emergency room
• Call a suicide prevention/crisis hotline
  • 800/784-2433 or 800/273-8255
  • Para obtener assistencia en espanol, llame al 888/628-9454

The following organizations are dedicated to helping people get through an emotional crisis and have good information or support to offer.

American Association of Suicidology
National Hopeline Network
National Institute of Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide Crisis Center
Suicide Prevention Resource Center

If you are a Veteran or active in the Military

Veterans Affairs Suicide Hotline
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans to ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals.
Call 800/273-8255 and press “1” to reach the VA hotline.

Finding a professional to talk to

If you feel overwhelmed or are the caretaker of a loved one who is showing signs of depression, it most often helps to talk to someone. You are not alone. To find a counselor, social worker or psychologist in your area, please click on the following links:

National Association of Social Workers
American Psychological Association
National Board of Certified Counselors