Western Tidewater CSB Emergency Services
Immediate support when you need it most
Getting the behavioral health care you need during a crisis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Western Tidewater Community Services Board (WTCSB), we are committed to serving you throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process—especially in moments of emergency. Whether you or a loved one is experiencing intense emotional anguish, suicidal thoughts, or a severe mental health or substance use crisis in the Suffolk, Franklin, or Isle of Wight areas, our Emergency Services team is here 24/7 to provide fast, compassionate intervention.
What Emergency Services are
Emergency Services acts as the critical first step for individuals who may need to be hospitalized or placed in a crisis stabilization facility due to a severe psychiatric or substance use emergency. Our 24/7 hotline is staffed by trained pre-admission screeners who evaluate the situation to determine the safest and most effective level of care.
Our team works closely with law enforcement agencies, local magistrates, emergency rooms, and community partners to:
- Complete immediate pre-admission screenings for acute psychiatric hospitalization or crisis stabilization.
- Facilitate a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) or Emergency Custody Order (ECO) when someone is in immediate danger but unable or unwilling to seek help themselves.
- Connect individuals to appropriate crisis alternatives—like our regional crisis homes or the RC5 program—to provide stabilization and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations whenever possible.
- Reroute callers to appropriate counseling or community services if immediate hospitalization is not required.
Who Emergency Services serve
Emergency services are available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance abuse-related crisis. A crisis can be a single traumatic event (like a sudden loss) or a series of events building over weeks or months.
We provide specialized screenings and crisis support for adults, children and teens, and individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD). You should reach out if you or a loved one is:
- In danger of self-harm, having suicidal thoughts, or actively talking about suicide.
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there (loss of touch with reality, paranoia).
- Unable to complete basic daily tasks or care for personal hygiene due to severe depression or mental illness.
- Exhibiting rapid mood swings, aggressive risk-taking behaviors, or uncontrollable anger.
- Experiencing a severe substance use emergency that may require inpatient treatment.
You’re not alone. Recovery support is here.
If you are trying to rebuild stability after a mental health or substance use crisis, you do not have to do it by yourself. Emergency Services can be a practical next step toward stronger routines, healthier coping, and more connection.
WTCSB is here to help you find the right level of support and move forward one step at a time.
How to Access Emergency Services?
Asking for help can be hard, even when you know you need it. We make getting connected to emergency support as direct as possible.
Emergency Hotline: For immediate emergency help or to request a pre-admission screening, call our 24/7 emergency service line at (757) 925-2484.
988 Lifeline: If hospitalization is not required but you need immediate emotional support or someone to talk to, call, text, or chat 988.
Call Us: For non-emergency care or to request Same Day Access, call our main line at (757) 758-5106 or submit an online request through our website.
Help for a Loved One: If you are calling on behalf of a friend, family member, or child in immediate danger, our screeners can guide you through the process of securing a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) or an Emergency Custody Order (ECO) to ensure their safety.
How to Pay for My Visit
WTCSB accepts public insurance, private insurance, and self-pay. If you have insurance, we will use your coverage when eligible and let you know if any copays or costs apply. WTCSB’s published payment options include Virginia Medicaid (including CCC Plus plans), Medicare, and many commercial insurance plans.
If you do not have insurance, or if you are underinsured, WTCSB also offers income-based financial assistance through an Ability to Pay (ATP) system (often called a sliding scale). Fees are based on what you can afford, and some services may have different fee rules than others.
WTCSB’s published self-pay methods include cash, check, and major credit cards
Questions about cost? Call (757) 758-5106 and ask about payment options for the service you need and whether you qualify for Ability to Pay.
Payment Options: https://www.wtcsb.org/payment-options/
Income-Based Fees (Ability to Pay): https://www.wtcsb.org/income-based-fees/
Where can I find Emergency Services?
Emergency Services are available 24/7 via phone across our entire service area (Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, and Southampton).
Because crises happen around the clock, our screeners frequently operate out in the community, working directly within local hospital emergency rooms, alongside law enforcement, and at WTCSB community clinics to meet individuals exactly where they are.
Crisis Receiving Center
All Crisis Services
Employee Portal
The WTCSB Employee Portal is the one-stop for staff communication, information sharing, WTCSB policy information, downloadable forms, and more. This area is reserved for employees of WTCSB only.
WTCSB Job Board
Become a part of a community that cares. As a whole, WTCSB strives to value staff, support diversity, and promote excellence within. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Who We Are
Western Tidewater CSB is the leading authority in mental health and developmental services in Franklin, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County. Learn more about what truly sets us apart.
