September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Independence and surrounding areas for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, call or text 988
- National Helpline - 24/7 treatment referral and information 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Disaster Distress Helpline - 24/7 immediate crisis counseling related to disasters 1-800-985-5990
- The Missouri Crisis Line is 1-888-279-8188
- Comprehensive Mental Health Services Behavioral Crisis Center is located at 17421 Medical Center Parkway, Independence, MO 64057 and can be reached by phone at 816-455-9975.
- ReDiscover's Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic is located at 7001 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64133 and can be reached by phone at 816-988-2739.
- ReDiscover's Kansas City Assessment & Triage Center is located at 2600 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127 and can be reached by phone at 816-965-1100.
- Summit Ridge Counseling Group is located at 668 SE Bayberry Lane, Suite 105, Lee's Summit, MO and can be reached by phone at 816-287-4040.
- Clinical Counseling Associates is located at 100 Westwoods Drive, Liberty, MO 64068 and can be reached by phone at 816-781-8550.
- Please visit National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Kansas City for additional resources.
- Mental Health America has a free 2023 Mental Health Month Toolkit available for free download.
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide,
crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
