24/7 Crisis Line for Columbus Teens

By Columbus Attorney Marcie Fronefield

As of April 4, 2016, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County expanded its partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital to reach out to youth going through mental crises. Franklin County will now have a 24-hour psychiatric youth crisis line, supported by Nationwide Children's Hospital. Franklin County has recognized a growing need for youth psychiatric services.

The crisis line is for youth 17 and younger and their families. One of the goals of the service is to identify crises, stabilize them, and ensure that there is continued treatment afterwards to address the problems.

Cities in Franklin County

• Bexley
• Canal Winchester
• Columbus
• Dublin
• Gahanna
• Grandview Heights
• Grove City
• Hilliard
• New Albany
• Pickerington
• Reynoldsburg
• Upper Arlington
• Westerville
• Whitehall
• Worthington

Contacting the Crisis Line

The announcement does recommend that if the youth or adolescent and their family already have a behavioral health clinician, that person should be contacted first.

To reach the Franklin County Psychiatric Crisis Line for youth, call (614) 722-1800. For people 18 and over, call the Netcare Access adult crisis line at (888) 276-2273.

Franklin County Takes Action to Help Ohio's Families and Teens

In a society with increasingly complex problems, growing up in our communities is becoming tougher and tougher. In 2009, 11% of all teens had made a plan in the last 12 months about how to commit suicide. And in Franklin County, the teen suicide rate is higher than the US national average. Franklin County made the right move in focusing on this problem and doing something to increase support for teens who find themselves needing help.

Families should not hesitate to reach out if they think their teen is in crisis. Too many suicides, acts of violence, and lives turned to crime can be prevented with the right attention and support early on. Franklin County should be applauded for easing access to trained professionals who can start addressing teen issues before they spiral out of control.