When a mental health emergency strikes, the path to care can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and isolating—not only for your loved one, but for you as the caregiver. Stepping into the ER or calling Mobile Crisis is a brave and important step.
As a caregiver, you are not a mere bystander. You are a vital part of the care team. Your support, observations, and presence may make a significant difference in the outcome.
This guide offers practical suggestions to help you stay grounded, advocate effectively, and focus on what matters most: helping your loved one receive the care they need.
Important Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- Mental Health Mobile Crisis: 902-429-8167 / 1-888-429-8167
- Mental Health & Addictions Intake: 1-855-922-1122
- YourHealthNS: yourhealthns.ca
- Nova Scotia 211: Call or text 2-1-1
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
- NS Moms: nsmoms.ca
Emergency Room Visits – Tips
- Be prepared. Mental health emergencies can occur at any time.
- Bring a one-page summary with diagnosis, medications, risks, recent symptoms, psychiatrist, and hospital history.
- Carry a printed photo of your loved one when well.
- Bring the most recent Relapse Plan and ask staff to place materials on file.
- Notify supportive family or friends who can attend and provide collateral information.
- Bring comfort items such as water, snacks, charger, and reading material.
- Ask if a current Special Care Plan is available on the health records system.
- If your loved one leaves before assessment, request an Alert of Possible Patient Risk form.
- If discharge is being considered and you feel unsafe, clearly state your concerns and ask what criteria were used.
- If asked to take your loved one home, request a written discharge plan.
If Your Loved One Refuses Your Involvement
- You may still provide information to staff even if they cannot share information with you.
- Ask to speak privately with the psychiatrist or social worker.
- Explain if paranoia, delusions, or lack of insight may be affecting refusal.
- Remind staff if you are named in a Special Care Plan or Substitute Decision Maker document.
- Remain nearby if possible in case staff need to reach you.
- If tension rises, wait elsewhere in the hospital and leave your contact details.
Preparing for a Mobile Crisis Call
- Prepare concise notes with dates, times, symptoms, and risks.
- If hospital refusal is likely, ask whether an Alert of Possible Patient Risk can be initiated.
- If available, request Crisis Intervention Trained responders.
- For wellness checks, ask that multiple call attempts be made.
- Follow up in a few days and ask whether contact was made.
- If responders attend in person, meet them outside first if safe to do so.
Read This Information
This pamphlet is based on the experiences of trusted caregivers. We are not lawyers. We are not doctors. This is not medical or legal advice. These suggestions are intended to help caregivers navigate the Nova Scotia mental health system.