Find Help. Find Hope.
If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, there’s help. We’ve created a list of resources for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health or suicide loss. The variety of groups offer support through texts, calls and in-person meetings – get helpful information and find the support you need here.
Central Valley Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1 800 273-8255 (click to expand)
This free, 24-hour hotline is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can also call or chat with the Lifeline if you are concerned about someone else.
Crisis Text Line - 741741
Text “EMM” to 741741 to text confidentially with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7.
California Statewide Resources
Directing Change Program and Film Contest
Visit the web site to learn more about the opportunities Directing Change offers to engage youth in mental health and suicide prevention through programs and resources for schools and youth groups and an exciting annual film contest.
Each Mind Matters
Join California’s mental health movement. By adding your voice, you can advance mental health awareness and end stigma.
Each Mind Matters Resource Center
The Resource Center includes a wide range of Know the Signs campaign materials, toolkits, and other educational resources. All materials are available for free download.
LivingWorks
To find local suicide prevention trainers or training, including ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and safeTALK workshops, esuicideTALK information and more, contact Kathleen Snyder, 925.939.1916 x147 or kathleens@crisis-center.org>.
Make the Connection
Shared experiences and support for veterans.
Trevor Project
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386
Get Trained in Suicide Prevention
There are several excellent trainings available to the public that teach the knowledge and skills to be an effective “gatekeeper” for people who are thinking about suicide. A gatekeeper is someone who is able and willing to help someone thinking about suicide get professional help.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a workshop for anyone who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. To learn more about ASIST, visit www.livingworks.net. To find a workshop in California, email usa@livingworks.net
- safeTALK is a three hour training that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. To learn more about safeTALK, visit www.livingworks.net. To find a workshop in California, email usa@livingworks.net
- QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. To learn more about this one-hour training, visit www.QPRInstitute.com
Resources for Those Who Have Lost Someone to Suicide
If you are bereaved by a suicide death, you may be in search of support for yourself and other loved ones. There are resources available online and in many communities that are specifically for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss
Due to COVID-19 this group has moved online – please call to register.
Hinds Hospice has adopted the Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss program, to continue to provide comprehensive grief support to the community. Fresno SOSL is a specialized program within the Hinds Hospice Center for Grief and Healing, and will continue to maintain support groups and services for those experiencing the loss of a loved one to suicide, as well as training, education and information and suicide prevention and education.
Survivors After Suicide Program
http://www.didihirsch.org/services/emergency/spc/sas
The SAS program is a support group offered through Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Only those who have lost a loved one to suicide are eligible to participate in the support group.
Friends For Survival
Friends For Survival, Inc. is a California-based outreach organization open to those who have lost family or friends by suicide, and also to professionals who work with those who have been touched by a suicide tragedy. FFS also offers monthly support groups.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The AFSP’s Suicide Survivors Outreach Program has trained volunteers who conduct in person visits to newly bereaved family. They also provide information about support groups and other local resources. Visit the website to find out how to request an outreach visit.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
SAVE provides a variety of resources and educational materials for coping with a loss to suicide including information on grief, finding comfort, and what to say to children.
American Association of Suicidology
http://www.suicidology.org/suicide-survivor-resources
AAS provides a variety of resources and educational materials for bereaved family and friends including locating a support group and how to facilitate your own survivor support group.
Start the Conversation
Check in with your family and friends. No matter the distance, you can always reach out through a phone call, text or video chat.
