Emergency Contact and Crisis Policy

Your safety and well-being is top priority. While Hard Feelings – Shift Happens EMDR Therapy NJ LLC is dedicated to providing support and guidance during scheduled sessions, we are not equipped to offer immediate crisis intervention or emergency services. Please carefully review the following guidelines for handling emergencies and crises.

In Case of an Emergency

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please do NOT wait for a therapy appointment or attempt to contact your therapist through our website, social media, email, or phone. Instead, take one of the following actions immediately:

  • Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

  • Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

  • For veterans, dial 988 and then Press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

Urgent Mental Health Support

If you are not in immediate danger but need urgent mental health support, consider contacting one of these resources:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): 1-866-488-7386

  • RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

New Jersey Specific Resources

·       Bridgeway Crisis Intervention Services is an Urgent Care Center that provides crisis intervention and support to residents in Union County age 18 and over. They can be reached at 908-469-6517 and are located at 615 North Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07208.

Psychiatric Emergency Screener / Mobile Outreach services via Trinitas Regional Medical Center can be contacted at 908-994-7131. Trinitas Regional Medical Center also have a 24/7 Crisis Hotline that can be reached at 908-351-6684.

Non-Emergency Situations

If you are not in crisis but would like to reach your therapist for non-urgent matters:

  • Use the client portal to request to schedule or change appointments.

  • Contact your therapist through the communication guidelines provided during your initial appointment.

  • Please allow up to 48 hours for a response to any messages.

Limitations of Contact Outside of Sessions

  • Hard Feelings – Shift Happens EMDR Therapy NJ LLC is not available for 24/7 support. We typically respond during regular business hours.

  • Email, text message, voicemail, social media, or website contact forms are not appropriate for crisis situations and should not be used to seek emergency support.

Crisis Protocol During Sessions

  • If a client discloses intentions of self-harm or harm to others during a session, the therapist will take necessary steps to ensure safety, including contacting emergency services if needed.

  • Therapists are mandated reporters and will act in compliance with legal and ethical standards when a client’s safety is at risk.

Safety Planning

If you are concerned about managing a crisis outside of session times, discuss creating a safety plan with your provider during your next appointment.

Understanding Our Scope

We do not offer:

  • Crisis intervention services.

  • Crisis Evaluation or Clearance.

  • On-call therapy or same-day appointments.

  • Medication management or emergency psychiatric care.

Acknowledgement

By using our services, you acknowledge that you understand and accept the limitations of our crisis / emergency support. All clients are encouraged to be proactive about their safety and have access to crisis resources, even if you think you’ll never need them.