Practical support
Psychosis: help right now
For someone who is frightened, hearing or seeing things, or feels threatened by things you do not experience.
While you get help
- Speak calmly, with one person talking at a time. Reduce noise and crowds where possible.
- Give them space. Avoid arguing about the belief or pretending you share it.
- If you feel unsafe, move away and call for help. Do not try to restrain them, block their exit or take a weapon from them.
I can see you’re frightened. I’m here to help. Can we talk somewhere quieter?
For urgent help without immediate danger, call their crisis team or use the urgent-help route where they are. In England, call 111 and select the mental-health option. They do not have to be suicidal to need urgent help.
Are you somewhere else? Read how to get urgent help from a distance, including what location to give. Support for a student away at university.
I’m with someone who is very frightened and believes [describe what they said]. This started [when]. They have slept [amount]. I’m worried because [specific risk]. We need an urgent mental-health assessment. What should I do while we wait?
Support in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
I am frightened at home, or there are children here
Shouting or threats can be frightening whatever the cause. If you can safely do so, take children and anyone else at risk away from the situation, for example to a trusted neighbour. Do not ask a child to calm the person, monitor them or intervene.
If leaving is unsafe, call 999 and explain that you cannot get away safely. Tell the operator where everyone is. Follow their instructions.
For ongoing concerns, use safeguarding support or help when you feel frightened or threatened. Having psychosis does not mean someone will be violent.
They have left, or I cannot find them
Do not put yourself at risk by chasing or physically stopping them. If you can contact them calmly, ask where they are and whether they will accept help.
If someone is missing and you think they are in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise report concerns to police on 101 or through their missing-person reporting service. You do not have to wait 24 hours.
See what to tell the police when someone is missing. Tell their care team too, if they have one.
Will the police come?
If there is immediate danger, call 999 and describe what is happening. The response depends on the risks and circumstances; we cannot promise that police, rather than another service, will attend.
In England, the national Right Care, Right Person agreement aims to direct health and social-care needs to the appropriate service, while retaining police involvement where their powers or protection are needed. Arrangements differ across the UK. This does not remove the need to call 999 in an emergency.
Describe the actual danger and behaviour, rather than only naming a diagnosis. If you are redirected, ask who to contact and what to do if the risk changes.
England and Wales: section 135 involves a warrant for entry to private premises in specified circumstances. Section 136 has different powers and cannot be used inside someone’s home. These are decisions for the relevant professionals; you do not need to work out a legal section before asking for help.
Could this be their first episode?
Ask about the local Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team. Some teams accept direct referrals from relatives or friends.
Search for “early intervention in psychosis” and their town or area, then check the local NHS service’s referral page. Ages, areas, opening hours and consent requirements vary. How to contact an EIP team and what to ask.
If help is needed now, use the urgent-help route above rather than waiting for an EIP team to open or call back.
The full psychosis guide · If they are under 18 · If services are not responding
Sources and how this guide was written
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Local referral examples in England: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare allows direct referrals but lists a different route for Portsmouth. Bradford District Care accepts referrals from friends or family with the person’s consent. Check the arrangements where the person lives. These two referral routes rechecked: 8 October 2026.
About the sources
NHS and Mind guidance covers urgent support. Police.uk covers missing-person reports. The national Right Care, Right Person agreement covers England; the section 135 and 136 information applies to England and Wales.
Last full source check: 25 September 2026
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.