SERVICES

Lake County

Marin County

Residential Support ServicesMarin Assisted Independent LivingBuckelew Employment ServicesCasa Rene (Short-term residential)The Helen Vine Recovery CenterBuckelew Counseling ServicesBuckelew Suicide PreventionHomeless Mentally Ill Outreach & AssessmentHealthy Families Marin

Mendocino County

Napa County

The Supported Living Program

Sonoma County

Sonoma County Independent LivingTransition Age YouthForensic Assertive Community TreatmentFamily Services CoordinationBuckelew Suicide Prevention

Buckelew Suicide Prevention Program

Buckelew Programs hotline offers 24/7, free and confidential crisis support for callers having thoughts of suicide, as well as friends and family worried about loved ones. Buckelew also supports the community at large by helping those with mental health issues who may or may not be considering suicide.If you are having suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone else who may be suicidal please call:

  • In Sonoma, Lake & Mendocino Counties, call 1-855-587-6373
  • In Marin County, call 415-499-1100
  • National Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK [8355]
  • For grief support call 415-499-1195.

“I was really scared but decided to make the call. I had heard that hotlines call the police. But, that wasn’t the case. My counselor helped me to stop panicking and find ways to reach out to others and keep myself safe. It was definitely worth the call.” (Hotline caller)

What we offer

In addition to phone counseling, we are available for consultation, training and education. We conduct evidence-based suicide prevention education to schools, workplaces, media, clinics, non-profits, and others by facilitators trained in suicide prevention such as SafeTalk and ASIST. We also support communities and families recovering from suicide or injury and provide consultation to media and others in best practices.

For training and education, please contact:

Kara Connors, MPH

Email: karac@buckelew.org or 628-214-8732

How Can You Help Prevent Suicide

It’s okay to talk about suicide. More people are speaking compassionately and openly about mental health and their struggles. Talking about suicide with others can be life-saving.

  1. Know the Signs

Notice your concern of any sudden changes in mood, words, or actions such as: increased substance use, difficulty sleeping, acting recklessly, feeling depressed, talking about suicide, feeling like a burden, access to firearms, etc.

  1. Ask Directly

“I’m concerned about you. You’ve seemed really withdrawn. Are you thinking of suicide?” Asking will not give the person ideas to take their life.

  1. Listen and Show Support

“I want you to know that support is available to help you through this.” Let them talk.

  1. Refer for Help

“I’d like to sit with you while you call your (hotline, therapist, hospital) for help.” Find resources together. Do not assume a person will get help on their own.

  1. Follow-up

“Let’s make a plan to connect again.” A phone call or note to show you care can help in the healing process.

What You Can Expect When You Call the Hotline

Your life is always worth a phone call and every option is preferable to suicide.

Our trained phone counselors are calm and caring people who will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you and provide support.

To become a phone counselor volunteer, or join our outreach team, call 415-499-1193 or email hotline@buckelew.org.
Call Now

Know the Warning Signs of Suicide:

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
  • Talking about being a burden to others.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
  • Sleeping too little or too much.
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
  • Displaying extreme mood swings.