Crisis & Emergency Advice
Ontime Therapy does not provide crisis or emergency intervention. If you or someone you are supporting is at immediate risk, urgent statutory support is required.
Our practice is an outpatient therapy service. Our clinical practitioners are not equipped to respond to acute psychiatric crises, active self-harm, or medical emergencies. Please use the statutory and helpline support pathways listed below.
When Immediate Help Is Required
A mental health emergency includes situations where an individual:
- Is unable to keep themselves safe from serious harm.
- Has harmed themselves or intends to harm themselves immediately.
- Is experiencing suicidal thoughts they feel they may act on.
- Shows signs of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion).
- Is at immediate risk of harming others.
- Is severely distressed and completely unable to function or care for themselves.
What to Do
Emergency Services
Attend your nearest A&E or call 999 if there is immediate danger.
NHS 111 (Mental Health Advice)
Access urgent mental health advice when not in immediate danger.
Local NHS Urgent Mental Health Line
24/7 support from trained clinicians in your area.
Crisis Resolution Team (CRHT)
If already under secondary mental health services, contact your local crisis resolution/home treatment team.
Your General Practitioner (GP)
Contact your GP surgery to request an urgent same-day appointment for crisis support.
Supporting Someone in Crisis
- Stay Calm: Speak in a clear, validating, and reassuring manner to help lower situational arousal.
- Remove Access: Secure and remove access to medications, tools, or objects of self-harm.
- Do Not Leave Alone: Ensure the person is not left alone if they are at risk of immediate harm.
- Call Emergencies: Immediately contact 999 or attend an A&E if safety cannot be maintained at home.
Professional & Safeguarding Information
When to Refer to CAMHS
Referral to CAMHS is clinically indicated when a young person’s mental health difficulties significantly impair daily functioning, present a clear risk of self-harm, or require specialist psychiatric diagnosis.
Safeguarding Override
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is a statutory legal duty. If abuse, neglect, or serious risk of harm is identified in therapy, we must report it. Statutory duties supersede standard client confidentiality agreements.
Multi-Agency Working
We collaborate with schools, GPs, social services, and specialist secondary mental health services to build a comprehensive, holistic network of support.
NICE Guidance & Mental Health Act
Our practice aligns with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. In crisis contexts, the Mental Health Act provides the statutory framework for assessment, treatment, and protection.
Community and National Resources
A curated list of trusted UK support services offering confidential crisis helplines, peer support, and resource directories.
Samaritans
24/7 FREEProviding confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts UK-wide.
Shout
24/7 TEXTThe UK’s first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone experiencing distress, depression, or a mental health crisis.
Hub of Hope
DIRECTORYA comprehensive national database provided by Chasing the Stigma, bringing together local, national, peer, NHS, and private mental health resources.
NHS Talking Therapies
NHS SERVICESFree, confidential psychological services provided by the NHS. Allows direct self-referral for CBT, counseling, and guided self-help in England.
Switchboard LGBT+
HELPLINEProviding an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people and anyone seeking help regarding sexuality or gender identity.
Nightline Association
STUDENT SUPPORTConfidential, anonymous, student-run night-time helpline and information services operating across higher education institutions in the UK.