Office of Suicide Prevention

The Office of Suicide Prevention in San Bernardino County is dedicated to education, prevention, awareness, and hope & resources, ensuring that communities have access to life-saving information, crisis support, and mental health services. As part of the Department of Behavioral Health’s prevention and early intervention efforts, we work to expand suicide prevention training, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to critical care services.

For administrative questions regarding this office, please email dbh-osp@dbh.sbcounty.gov or call (909) 387-6221

Get Help

Pain isn’t always obvious, but most people show some signs when they are thinking about suicide. Warning signs may appear in conversations, through a person’s actions, or in social media posts. If you observe one or more warning signs – especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change – reach out for support. Early support can make a meaningful difference.

To learn more about available crisis services in San Bernardino County, please view  Behavioral Health Urgent Care Services

Common Warning Signs
Some of the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, may include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or suicide
  • Uncontrolled anger
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Reckless behavior
  • Feeling hopeless, desperate, and/or trapped
  • No sense of purpose
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Putting affairs in order

Access Unit
(Behavioral Health Helpline)

Mental Health Hotline Number

(888) 743-1478

Screening Assessment and Referral Center (Substance Use Disorder Helpline)

Substance Abuse Helpline number

(800) 968-2636

988 Suicide & Crisis Line

Substance Abuse Helpline number

Call, Text, or Chat at 988lifeline.org

The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 for anyone experiencing emotional distress or supporting someone in crisis

FREE Community Trainings

The Office of Suicide Prevention provides monthly suicide prevention trainings for the public as well as closed groups, offered both in person and virtually. The office also supports additional trainings, including Mental Health First Aid.

A promotional graphic featuring a large teal and purple awareness ribbon on a light blue geometric background. The text reads “safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training.” The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health logo appears in the upper right corner within a teal and purple curved banner. Decorative abstract brush and dot patterns accent the corners of the design.

FREE 3-hour training where participants will learn how to recognize and support a person with thoughts of suicide. Participants will become a: “safeTALK-trained suicide alert helper.”

A graphic promoting “Question, Persuade, Refer,” featuring large bold text on a purple background. Below the main heading, a label reads “Free Virtual & In-Person Suicide Prevention Training.” The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health logo appears at the bottom. On the right side, two circular photos show individuals participating in a classroom-style training session, including a presenter standing at the front of the room and attendees seated at tables with notebooks and drinks.

FREE 90-minute training where participants learn three simple, life‑saving steps: how to ask someone if they are considering suicide, how to offer hope through supportive communication, and how to connect them with appropriate help.

FREE 2-day workshop designed for all community members. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs of suicide, ask clear and direct questions, and offer hope through supportive conversation.

To request a training or presentation please email us at DBH-OSP@dbh.sbcounty.gov or call us at (909) 387-6221

Available Resources

You are never alone. Below are available resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Services
CalHOPE Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline
Know the Signs
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The Trevor Project
Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention
Veterans Crisis Line

Before starting a conversation with someone you are concerned about, be prepared. Have a list of crisis resources on hand. Practice what you will say. Plan the conversation for a time when you won’t be in a hurry and can spend time with the person.

Listen First
Listen to the reasons the person has for both living and dying. Validate that they are considering both options and underscore that living is an option for them.

Create a Safety Plan
Ask the person if they have access to any lethal means (i.e. weapons, medications) and ask if you can help remove them from the vicinity (another friend, family member or law enforcement agent may be needed to assist). Do not put yourself in danger; if you are concerned about the person’s imminent danger or your own safety, call 911.

Get Help
The county and department are here and available for anyone struggling to overcome suicidal crisis or mental-health related distress. The Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) is a community-based mobile crisis response team for children and adults experiencing a psychiatric emergency. CCRT is available in English and Spanish 24/7/365 by calling (800) 398-0018 or by text at (909) 420-0560.

For more information on mental health and substance use disorder services in San Bernardino County, call (888) 743-1478, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are experiencing an active life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Join the Suicide Prevention Awareness Subcommittee (SPAS), a collaborative group of local stakeholders dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting suicide prevention and mental health resources throughout our community. We welcome individuals and organizations who are passionate about supporting mental wellness and suicide prevention efforts.

Meetings are held virtually on the second Monday of each month.

Join Here