Urgent Guidance
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, do not wait for a message response
This practice does not provide emergency or crisis care. Messages are not monitored continuously and should not be used for urgent or unsafe situations.
Call 911
Use 911 for immediate danger, medical emergencies, or situations where urgent in-person help is needed right now.
Go to the nearest ER
Go to the emergency room if you are at risk of harming yourself, harming someone else, or are otherwise unable to stay safe.
Call or text 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people in emotional distress, crisis, or urgent mental health need.
Do not use routine messaging for:
- Suicidal thoughts with intent or inability to stay safe
- Thoughts of harming someone else
- Severe agitation, panic, or rapidly worsening psychiatric symptoms
- Medication reactions that feel emergent or medically unsafe
- Any situation that cannot wait for routine outpatient follow-up
Important boundary
Secure messages are for non-urgent communication only. Response times are typically 1–2 business days and may be longer on weekends, holidays, or after hours. Waiting for a routine message response is not appropriate in a crisis or unsafe situation.
Local urgent mental health resources (San Antonio)
If you are in Bexar County and need urgent mental health support but are not in immediate danger, the following resources may be helpful.
Center for Health Care Services – Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
Available for Bexar County residents experiencing a mental health crisis. Mobile teams may be dispatched for on-site evaluation and support.
Phone: (210) 223-7233
Sigma Mental Health Urgent Care
Private psychiatric urgent care offering same-day evaluations for acute mental health concerns that do not require emergency room care.
Address:
1314 E Sonterra Blvd
Suite 5101
San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 314-4564
What should I do next?
Emergency
Use emergency support now
Call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 if you are unsafe or in crisis.
Urgent but stable
Schedule a follow-up
If the issue is important but not an emergency, schedule a visit rather than sending a long or time-sensitive message.
Routine
Use non-urgent messaging
Brief, routine questions and updates can still be sent through secure messaging when safety is not a concern.