Mental Health Crisis Resources

Key emergency numbers

Switzerland has several dedicated crisis lines staffed by trained professionals. All are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages:

• 143 — Die Dargebotene Hand / La Main Tendue / Telefono Amico: The Swiss emotional support hotline, available 24/7. Trained volunteers provide immediate support for anyone in distress, experiencing suicidal thoughts, loneliness, or emotional crisis. Available in German, French, and Italian. Online chat available at 143.ch.
• 147 — Pro Juventute: The 24/7 crisis line specifically for children and young people (up to age 25). Available by phone, text, and online chat. Counselors are trained in youth-specific issues including bullying, family problems, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
• 144 — Rettungsdienst / Ambulance: The general emergency medical number. Call this if someone is in immediate physical danger, has attempted self-harm, or needs urgent medical intervention.
• 112 — European emergency number: Works throughout Switzerland and connects to emergency services.

Cantonal psychiatric emergency services

Most cantons operate dedicated psychiatric emergency services (psychiatrischer Notfalldienst / service d'urgences psychiatriques) either through their cantonal psychiatric hospital or through the emergency department of a general hospital.

How to access psychiatric emergency care:

1. Walk-in: You can go directly to the psychiatric emergency department of a cantonal hospital. Major psychiatric clinics include the Psychiatrische Universitaetsklinik Zuerich (PUK), Universitaere Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel (UPK), and similar institutions in every canton.
2. Via ambulance (144): If the situation is urgent, call 144. Paramedics will assess and transport to the appropriate facility.
3. Via your GP or psychiatrist: If you have an existing treating physician, they can arrange an emergency referral.
4. Via police (117): In situations where someone is a danger to themselves or others and refuses voluntary help, police can be involved to ensure safety.

Some cantons also have mobile crisis intervention teams (Kriseninterventionsteams) that can come to the person's location. These are typically dispatched through the emergency number (144) or the cantonal psychiatric service. Availability varies by canton and is more common in urban areas.

Voluntary vs. involuntary hospitalization

When a person needs psychiatric hospitalization, there are two pathways:

Voluntary admission (freiwillige Einweisung)

The person agrees to be admitted to a psychiatric facility. They can request discharge at any time, though the treating team may recommend staying longer. This is by far the more common scenario and the preferred approach whenever possible.

Involuntary hospitalization — FU (Fuersorgerische Unterbringung)

Under the Swiss Civil Code (Art. 426-439 ZGB), a person can be placed in a psychiatric institution against their will if three conditions are met:

1. The person has a mental disorder, intellectual disability, or severe state of neglect
2. The person requires treatment or care that cannot be provided otherwise
3. A suitable institution is available

An FU can be ordered by a doctor (aerztliche FU) — which is valid for a maximum of 6 weeks — or by the KESB (Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehoerde / child and adult protection authority), which can set a longer duration. The affected person has the right to appeal to a court, which must decide within 5 working days.

What to do if someone is in crisis

If you are with someone experiencing a mental health crisis, follow these practical steps:

1. Stay calm and be present. Do not leave the person alone if they are in immediate danger.
2. Remove access to means of self-harm if safely possible (medications, sharp objects, etc.).
3. Call for help: 144 if there is immediate danger, 143 for emotional support and guidance, or take the person to the nearest psychiatric emergency department.
4. Listen without judgment. Do not minimize their feelings or try to "fix" the situation with advice. Acknowledge their pain.
5. Do not promise confidentiality if someone's life is at risk. It is appropriate to involve professionals even if the person objects.

Costs and insurance coverage

Mental health crisis care is covered under KVG basic insurance:

• Emergency psychiatric consultations at a hospital or psychiatric clinic are covered as any other emergency medical visit.
• Psychiatric hospitalization (both voluntary and FU) is covered under KVG for the general ward (allgemeine Abteilung). Private or semi-private rooms require supplementary insurance.
• Crisis intervention teams and ambulance transport (144) are covered, though ambulance costs have a co-payment (typically CHF 50 per transport plus 50% of costs up to CHF 5,000 per year).
• Follow-up outpatient care — psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment after a crisis — is covered under KVG with a physician's referral (up to 30 sessions initially, extendable with insurer approval).

Standard cost-sharing applies: franchise (deductible) and 10% Selbstbehalt (co-payment). However, in an emergency, you should never delay seeking help due to cost concerns — treatment will be provided regardless of your ability to pay at that moment.

After the crisis: next steps

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it is important to establish ongoing support:

• Follow up with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist within days of the crisis, not weeks. Ask the hospital or crisis team for a referral.
• Create a safety plan with your treating professional — a personalized document listing warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.
• Inform trusted people in your life about the situation so they can provide support and recognize warning signs.
• Consider a Patientenverfuegung (advance directive) that specifies your treatment preferences in case of future crises when you may not be able to communicate your wishes.