When someone you love is in a mental-health crisis and won’t accept help
A practical, step-by-step guide for families facing severe mania, psychosis, suicidal danger, or a loved one refusing care — with separate paths for an adult (18+) and a child or teen (under 18). Includes word-for-word phone scripts, the legal pathways, hospital advocacy, and local Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky crisis numbers.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, use these resources now.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Visit WebsiteCrisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 crisis counseling via text message. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
Visit WebsiteEmergency Services
Call 911
For immediate danger to yourself or others, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Cincinnati Children's Psychiatric Emergency
(513) 636-4124
For children and adolescents in psychiatric crisis in the Greater Cincinnati area.
ADHD Resources
Dr. Shapiro's note: The gold standard for ADHD education. I recommend this to nearly every ADHD patient and family. Their resources are evidence-based and practical.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: Excellent articles written in plain language about living with ADHD. Great for strategies that actually work in daily life.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: The National Institute of Mental Health provides reliable, research-backed information about ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Visit WebsiteRecommended Books
Driven to Distraction
by Edward Hallowell, MD & John Ratey, MD
The classic book on adult ADHD. I have recommended this to hundreds of patients over the years.
Taking Charge of ADHD
by Russell Barkley, PhD
The best book for parents of children with ADHD. Practical, compassionate, and grounded in research.
Smart but Scattered
by Peg Dawson, EdD & Richard Guare, PhD
Excellent strategies for executive function challenges that accompany ADHD in children and teens.
Anxiety Resources
Dr. Shapiro's note: Outstanding resource for understanding anxiety disorders. Their therapist directory and self-help tools are particularly valuable.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: Clear, scientifically accurate overview of all anxiety disorders. A reliable starting point for patients and families.
Visit WebsiteRecommended Books
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
by Edmund Bourne, PhD
A comprehensive self-help workbook that many of my patients have found genuinely helpful alongside therapy.
When Panic Attacks
by David Burns, MD
Practical cognitive behavioral techniques for managing anxiety and panic. Written by a master clinician.
Depression Resources
Dr. Shapiro's note: Peer-led support and education. Their support groups can be a lifeline for people struggling with depression.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: Comprehensive, research-based information on depression types, causes, and treatment options.
Visit WebsiteRecommended Books
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
by David Burns, MD
The most widely recommended self-help book for depression. The cognitive techniques in this book have helped millions of people.
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression
by Andrew Solomon
A deeply insightful exploration of what depression really feels like. Patients tell me they feel understood when they read this.
Bipolar Disorder Resources
Dr. Shapiro's note: Their bipolar-specific resources and peer support groups are excellent. Finding others who truly understand is incredibly valuable.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: NAMI provides clear, accessible information about bipolar disorder and connects families with local support.
Visit WebsiteRecommended Books
An Unquiet Mind
by Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD
A psychiatrist's own account of living with bipolar disorder. Brilliantly written and deeply honest.
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide
by David Miklowitz, PhD
The most practical guide I know of for managing bipolar disorder day to day. Essential reading for patients and families.
OCD Resources
Dr. Shapiro's note: The leading organization for OCD education and advocacy. Their therapist directory specifically lists ERP-trained clinicians, which is critical for effective OCD treatment.
Visit WebsiteRecommended Books
Brain Lock
by Jeffrey Schwartz, MD
A practical four-step method for managing OCD. Many of my patients have found this approach empowering.
Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
by Jonathan Grayson, PhD
Comprehensive self-help guide that complements professional OCD treatment.
General Mental Health
Dr. Shapiro's note: The largest grassroots mental health organization in America. Their Family-to-Family program is one of the best things a family member can do to learn about mental illness.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: The federal government's one-stop resource for mental health information. Simple, clear, and trustworthy.
Visit WebsiteDr. Shapiro's note: Call or text 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Save this number in your phone. You never know when you or someone you care about might need it.
Visit WebsiteSupport Groups in Cincinnati
Connecting with others who understand your experience can be a powerful part of recovery. These are local organizations I trust.
NAMI Southwest Ohio
Local NAMI chapter offering support groups, educational programs, and advocacy in the Cincinnati area. Their free family support groups meet regularly.
Find a GroupDBSA Support Groups
Peer-led support groups for depression and bipolar disorder. Meeting others who truly understand your experience can be remarkably healing.
Find a GroupCHADD Local Support
Local ADHD support groups for adults and parents. Sharing practical strategies with others in similar situations is invaluable.
Find a GroupDisclaimer: These resources are provided for educational purposes and do not replace professional psychiatric evaluation and treatment. The external websites listed are maintained by independent organizations. Dr. Shapiro recommends them based on clinical experience but is not responsible for their content. Always discuss any new treatment approaches with your healthcare provider.
Need Personalized Guidance?
Resources are helpful, but nothing replaces a thorough evaluation by an experienced psychiatrist. If you are ready to take the next step, we are here for you.
If you're experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.