Here are some resources that can help you connect with a loved one or understand what they may be going through:

Knowing what to say and do when concerned about someone's behavior isn't easy. The guide below can help you recognize and respond to the early warning signs of mobilizing toward violence. 

Click here to download the guide.

Signs of violence: what you can do

Concerned someone has access to a gun and is planning violence?

If you believe a loved one is planning violence involving a firearm please call 911 immediately. When you’ve done this, you can also can file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). 

An ERPO is a court order that removes firearms from a person's home if they are a danger to themselves or others. It also prohibits a person from buying new guns while the order is in effect.

Family and household members can apply for an ERPO at ww2.nycourts.gov/erpo. 

Click here to download a guide to filing an ERPO.

How do I talk to a loved one about extreme views?

Do

Create a space where they can speak freely. A little empathy goes a long way when trying to get a loved one to open up about sensitive topics.  

Ask open-ended questions about their beliefs and how they came to believe such things. 

Be patient and listen carefully to their answers, without judgment. 

Remind them they are loved and not alone. 

Take care of your own well-being. Know your limits. Ask for help when you need it.  

Don’t

Argue or tell them they’re wrong. Anger will only make your loved one shut down and stop talking.  

Allow anger to control the conversation. If things get heated, take a break and continue when tempers have calmed. 

Interrupt them because you don’t agree or feel comfortable with their opinions. 

Criticize them for their beliefs.

Give up on your loved one. Change can take time.  

Find mental health support in your county:

If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to Speak Safely New York yet, you may refer your friend or loved one to one of the services below. 

These local resources are not just for the person you are concerned about. Worrying about another person – whether it is a friend, family member, or simply an acquaintance—can be stressful. Please reach out to your local mental health office if you need to take care of your own well-being.  

If you would prefer the national crisis line, please call 988.

  • Allegany County Mental Health Dept. | Wellsville (585)593-1991

    Cattaraugus County Dept. of Community Services | Olean | (716)373-8040 Ext: 3294

    Chautauqua County Mental Health Dept. | Mayville | (716)753-4106

    Erie County Mental Health Dept. | Buffalo | (716)858-8531

    Niagara County Mental Health Dept. | Lockport | (716)439-7410

  • Genesee County Mental Health Services | Batavia | (585)344-1421 Ext: 6632

    Livingston County Mental Health Dept. | Geneseo | (585)243-7250

    Monroe County Office of Mental Health | Rochester | (585)753-6047

    Ontario County Mental Health Dept. | Canandaigua | ( 585)396-4363

    Orleans County Mental Health Services | West Albion | (585)589-2754

    Seneca County Mental Health Dept. | Waterloo | (315)539-1980

    Wayne Behavioral Health Network | Lyons | (315)946-5722

    Wyoming County Mental Health Dept. | Warsaw | (585)786-8871

    Yates County Mental Health Dept. | Penn Yan | (315)536-5115

  • Broome County Mental Health Dept. | Binghamton | (607)778-2351

    Chemung County Mental Health Dept. | Elmira | (607)737-5501

    Chenango County Mental Health Dept. | Norwich | (607)337-1600

    Delaware County Mental Health Dept. | Walton | (607)865-6522

    Schuyler County Community Services | Watkins Glen | (607)535-8282

    Steuben County Community Mental Health | Bath | (607)664-2255

    Tioga County Dept. of Mental Hygiene | Owego | (607)687-0200

    Tompkins County Mental Health Dept. | Ithaca | (607)274-6300

  • Cayuga County Mental Health Dept. | Auburn | (315)253-0341

    Cortland County Mental Health Dept. | Cortland | (607)758-6110

    Madison County Mental Health Dept. | Wampsville | (315)366-2327

    Onondaga County Mental Health Dept. | Syracuse | (315)435-2884 Ext: 4971

    Oswego County DSS, Division of Mental Hygiene | Mexico | (315)963-5361

  • Clinton County Mental Health & Addictions Services | Plattsburgh | (518)565-4074

    Essex County Mental Health Services | Elizabethtown | (518) 873-3670

    Franklin County Department of Mental Health | Saranac Lake | (518)891-2280 Ext: 4140

    Hamilton County Mental Health Dept. | Indian Lake | (518)648-5355

    Jefferson County Mental Health Dept. | Watertown | (315)785-3283

    Lewis County Mental Hygiene Dept. | Lowville | (315)376-5858

    St. Lawrence County Community Service | Canton | (315)386-2048

  • Fulton County Department of Mental Health | Gloversville | (518)773-3531

    Herkimer County Mental Health Dept. | Herkimer | (315)867-1465

    Montgomery County Community Services | Fonda | (518)853-8200

    Oneida County Dept. of Mental Health | Utica | (315)768-3660

    Otsego County Mental Health Clinic | Oneonta | (607)433-2343 Ext: 203

    Schoharie County Community Service & Mental Health Office | Schoharie | (518)295-8336

  • Albany County Mental Health Dept. | Albany | (518)447-4537

    Columbia County Mental Health Dept. | Hudson | (518)828-9446

    Greene County Mental Health Dept. | Cairo | (518)622-9163 Ext: 7111)

    Rensselaer County Dept. of Mental Health | Troy | (518)270-2807

    Saratoga County Mental Health Dept. | Saratoga Springs | (518)584-9030

    Schenectady County. Mental Health Dept. | Schenectady | (518)386-2218

    Warren/Washington County Mental Health Dept. | Glens Falls | (518)792-7143

  • Dutchess County Dept. of Mental Hygiene | Poughkeepsie | (845)485-9700

    Orange County Dept. of Mental Health | Goshen | (845)291-2600

    Putnam County Mental Health Dept. | Carmel | (845)225-7040

    Rockland County Dept. of Mental Health | Pomona | (845)364-2378

    Sullivan County Dept. of Community Services | Liberty | (845)292-8770 Ext: 2002

    Ulster County Mental Health Dept. | Kingston | (845)340-4000

    Westchester County Mental Health Dept. | White Plains | (914)995-5220

  • New York County Dept. of Health & Mental Health | Queens | (212)219-5557

    Nassau County Office of Mental Health | Uniondale | (516)227-7057

    Suffolk County Community Mental Hygiene | Hauppauge | (631)853-8500

Have questions? Need help?

We’re here to listen.

You can TEXT (646) 389-8789 or fill out this form.

Our business hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Weekends and holidays may delay our response time, but you should never hesitate to reach out.

If this is an emergency and you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please dial 911 to reach local law enforcement or 988 for the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

If this is an emergency and you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please dial 911 to reach local law enforcement or 988 for the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.