To contact us, email: info@pcmhc.org.

Our Mission

To provide critical behaviorial health services through partnerships that contribute to improved quality of life for both clients and community.

Please view our brochure for more information.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention is a local and national public health priority. Currently suicide is the 11th leading cause of death among all age groups in the USA. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-23 year-olds. Suicide completions in the State of Washington outnumber youth homicides. In Clallam County suicide completions are highest among young adult males and older adults.

Suicide is preventable... Help is available for individuals and families

Where to go for local help:

• Crisis Intervention Assessments at PCMHC (118 E 8th Street, Port Angeles) during business hours (8:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.)
• Mental Health Professional Response to Olympic Medical Center Emergency Room evenings and weekends
• Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: (360) 452-4500
• Community Education Resources from Crisis Intervention Staff at PCMHC for schools and groups

In addition there is a National Suicide Prevention lifeline network that supports a public education campaign. Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Some warning signs for potential suicidal behavior

• Serious depression, irritable mood, hopelessness lasting several weeks
• Strong wish to die, preoccupation with death (e.g. reading, talking, writing, etc.)
• Talking about suicide as solution to problem, or making a plan
• Increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs
• Previous suicide attempt
• Recent suicide attempt by friend/family member
• Impulsivity and prone to taking unnecessary risks
• Lack of connection to family/friends -- no one to talk to

What can you do?

If you have observed some of the above warning signs, and you are worried about a person, and suicide has crossed your mind as a concern, trust your judgment and DO SOMETHING NOW! Here is what you can do:

• Show you Care: Listen carefully to what person is saying
• Don't hesitate to ask the question: Are you thinking about suicide?
• Call for Help! Local and confidential resources include mental health professionals, physicians, clergypersons, and school counselors.
• Call the Crisis Line: 452-4500!

CRISIS LINE (360) 452-4500 is a free community telephone crisis intervention and referral service available to anyone experiencing a crisis situation or in need of information about community resources. This is a valuable support and suicide prevention resource to anyone in need and not knowing where to turn for help in the community.

Support Groups Available

There are several Family Support groups that meet regularly in the community to share information on experiences of living with mental illness and/or behavioral disorders. This is an opportunity to learn about resources, different ways family cope with issues, and to build a support network. These groups are open to the public and have no fees associated with them:

1. Every Thursday at 12 noon a Family Support Group meets at PCMHC (118 E. Eighth Street in Port Angeles), facilitated by Becky Brown, Supervisor of Community Support Team. For further information, call Becky at (360) 457-0431.
2. Third Thursday of each month from 6-7 PM at Olympic Medical Center a support group is facilitated by Advocates for the Mentally Ill. Call Arlene Engel (360) 683-3496, President.
3. Every Tuesday at 10 AM a support meeting for families and friends of children with special needs is facilitated by the Bridges Coordinator at the PCMHC Children's Center (located at 1004 West 16th Street in Port Angeles). For information contact Judith Libenow at (360) 582-0822.

Some self-help resources:

• 10 things you can do for your mental health.
• Key facts and statistics
• Stress checklist