Life is messy, and sometimes big things happen. Chances are, they won't happen during one of their therapy sessions, but they will take place between them. 

In order for me to maintain some sense of sanity, I had to stop taking emergency calls and texts between sessions. After so many years of being in practice, my client roster grew to a place where I was getting calls and texts at all hours and on all days. Not only was there no time for me to spend with my family, but it also prevented me from staying on top of things with work and home, and I was feeling burnt-out.

To help me be able to provide the best services possible, I offer you these suggestions and resources to help you in the event of a crisis or emergency situation.


Emergency: 9-1-1

If you are in a life-threatening or other unsafe situation, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Examples include being in an abusive situation, being unsure how to handle someone who has been drinking, or if you or someone else is about to act on suicidal thoughts.


Crisis Numbers

REAL Crisis Center (252.758.HELP or 252-758-4357) serves eastern North Carolina as the community crisis center. They are staffed 24/7 with trained volunteers who are committed to helping you through rocky moments. Be it a panic attack, racing thoughts, suicidal thoughts, urges to drink or cut, or feeling sad beyond measure, they are able to help you get through those moments until you and I have our next session. This service is free and confidential.

Crisis Call Center (800.273.TALK or 800-273-8255) offers free, confidential phone support 24/7, with specific resources for child and elder abuse reporting, substance abuse, suicide prevention (see below), outreach, and sexual assault support services on their website. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255)  also provides 24/7 access for you if you are in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. If you visit their website, you can find resources, including specific supports for youth, disaster survivors, Native Americans, veterans, loss survivors, LGBTQ+, attempt survivors, deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and for Ayuda En Espanol. 


Other Options

If you do not have a life-threatening situation, there are some other options that may be of help. 

  • Write a journal entry here inside the client portal. You can elect to keep it private or to share it with me. I read journal entries when I have some time. Often writing things out is a big help in the moment and it allows you to see things differently.
  • Schedule a session. Sometimes just knowing that you have a session scheduled allows your limbic system (the part of your body that reacts to worry, sadness, uncertainty, and loss) to feel calmer.
  • Schedule an email session. While the scheduling system makes you schedule these on Fridays, I try to respond as soon as I am able, unless it is a weekend or I am out of town. Refer to the policy on how to schedule an email session.
  • Look under the "Files" section here in the client portal. I have folders with resources for couples, parenting, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. Inside, you will find audios and handouts that walk you through exercises designed to help you in those moments when you need some support the most. Based on your treatment plan, I will give you access to those file folders that are most aligned with your needs.
  • Take a walk- or do some form of exercise. The keys to pulling out of a funk involve movement and connection. So get moving and reach out to someone (even if you make a comment on a social media post- that can help).