Suicide Prevention and Community Counseling
If you or someone you know needs help, call 415-499-1100, Marin County’s only 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline.
Suicidal crises tend to be brief. Most people do not want to die – they just want to end the pain they are experiencing. When suicidal behavior is detected early, a life can be saved.
Our caring telephone counselors provide immediate and confidential support through the Suicide Prevention and Community Counseling phone lines at all times day and night. 
There is hope…we can help.
Warning Signs of Suicide:
o Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
o Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
o Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
o Talking about being a burden to others.
o Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
o Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
o Sleeping too little or too much.
o Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
o Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
o Displaying extreme mood swings.
North Bay Suicide Prevention Program
Family Service Agency of Marin has provided the 24/7 Suicide Prevention Hotline for Marin County since 1971. In 2012 we expanded to serve the three additional North Bay counties of Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino through a collaboration with county behavioral health services and funding from the California Mental Health Services Authority.
The toll-free North Bay Regional 24/7 Suicide Prevention Hotline number is
855-587-6373.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are vital to our 24/7 service. To volunteer on our Hotline, individuals must successfully complete our Hotline Training Class. The class is supervised by the Program Director, a licensed MFT, and includes information on the following topics: identifying individuals in suicidal or other types of crisis; communication; counseling; active listening skills; and suicide/crisis intervention techniques and other subjects.
The 40-hour training classes are held in San Rafael for 6 weeks on Tuesdays nights from 7-10pm with one all day Saturday class. For those becoming volunteers there are 4 additional Tuesday nights 7-9pm. Classes are held in February, May, and September of each year.
For more information about volunteering or the hotline please contact: 415-499-1193, extension 3001.
Community Education
QPR Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps that help save a life from suicide:
- 60-120 minutes, no cost, appropriate for anyone over 13 years old
- recognize the warning signs of suicide
- know how to offer hope
- know how to get help and save a life
Please contact Nohemi Lopez at (415) 499-1193 ext. 3005 for more information.
