Psychosis Safety Plan

What is psychosis or mania? 

Psychosis is a state of mind in which someone is disconnected from reality.  A person may experience hearing or seeing things that are not actually there (hallucinations) or have strange beliefs that are not accurate (delusions). 

Mania is a state in which a person has an extremely elevated or irritable mood, is not getting adequate sleep.  They may also have some psychotic thinking. 

These states can be dangerous as a person is not thinking clearly and can put themselves and/or others at risk. 

What is a psychosis safety plan? 

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or are experiencing symptoms of psychosis or mania, go through this plan step by step until you are safe. No matter how strong the feelings are, they WILL NOT last forever; they will pass. Reach out for help from a trusted adult or someone on your care team during this time.

For families/caregivers:  

When an individual is struggling with mania/psychosis, it often takes a period of time for them to return to their normal self; requiring parents/caregivers to play an important role in recognizing warning signs. A safety plan helps families/caregivers identify these early warning signs that may indicate an exacerbation (worsening) of symptoms or a need for a medication adjustment. Early intervention is key when managing psychosis; parents/caregivers can often identify these warnings signs before the individual themselves. If you notice a change in your child’s symptoms, please contact the supports identified below. It is important that there be increased supervision provided by a parent/caregiver during the early stages of recovery. 

Put copies of this plan in places that are easy to find when you may need it. Below are some examples. Circle the places you will put your safety plan. 

• In a backpack/purse/wallet,  
• Hanging on the bedroom door,  
• On the fridge,  
• In my locker 
• Other ________________________ 

Reach out to your established mental health support or crisis services. Names of support team members and adults are noted on this form.

Step 1: What are signs that things are not going well?

(examples are provided, add any warning signs that are specific to you) 

• Sleeping too much or too little 
• Feeling overly anxious or sad 
• Finding it hard to concentrate 
• More sensitive to light or sound 
• School avoidance 
• Feeling high or “excited” 
• Talking more or less than usual 
• Not enjoying hobbies 
• Not taking care of myself (hygiene, food) 
• Increased irritability or easily agitated 
• Not wanting to go out or spend time with family and friends 
• Becoming suspicious of other people or thinking people are trying to hurt or follow me 
• Fast or rapid speech 
• Unable to move on from thought topics or saying things that do not make sense 
• Other: ____________________________________________________ 

Step 2: What are the people and social settings that provide distraction?

• My family 
• My bedroom 
• Other _________________________________________ 

Step 3: Who are the adults whom I can ask for help? 

• Adult 1: __________________________________________________ 
• Adult 2: __________________________________________________ 
• Adult 3: __________________________________________________ 
• Adult 4: __________________________________________________ 

These are the ways the adults in my life can help me when I’m having thoughts to hurt myself or others: 

• Provide verbal reassurance that I am safe and cared for 
• Make sure I take my medicines as prescribed and do not miss a dose 
• Pay close attention to sleep and self-care to indicate if psychosis is returning 
• Make sure I attend all therapy and medication management appointments 
• Notify my treatment team if you are concerned symptoms are returning 

Step 4: Who are the professionals that help support me (doctors, psychologist, therapist, school staff)? 

Name: ____________________ Role: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ 

Name: ____________________ Role: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ 

Name: ____________________ Role: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ 

Name: ____________________ Role: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ 

Name: ____________________ Role: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ 

Step 5: How do I make my environment safe? 

I should: 

1. Take all my medications as prescribed by my treatment team 
2. Limit the amount of energy and stimulation in the home environment. Keep lights and TV/music low and quiet 
3. Not use any drugs/alcohol 
4. Let my caregiver know if I start to notice changes in my thoughts 

My parents and caregivers should: 

1. Secure items (pills/medications, knives and guns) in a lock box. Caregivers will give all the medicines needed. 
2. Perform a “safety sweep” of the home. Go through each room and remove any dangerous substances or objects that could cause harm. 
3. Keep therapy appointments as recommended by the clinic or hospital team. 
4. Keep questions short and direct 
5. Not tell your child they are having delusional thoughts 
6. Limit the amount of energy and stimulation in the home environment. Keep lights and TV/music low and quiet 

Step 6: Who should I call in times of crisis? 

• Anoka County Crisis: 763-755-3801 
• Dakota County Crisis: 952-891-7171 
• Hennepin County Crisis: 612-348-2233 
• Ramsey County Crisis: 651-266-7878 
• Scott County Crisis: 952-818-3702 
• Washington County Crisis: 651-275-7400 
• St. Croix County Crisis: 911 (ask for behavioral health worker)  
• Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7: 988 (or original line 1-800-273-8255) 
• Text MN to 741741 to be connected to a counselor to help defuse the crisis and connect to local resources 
• Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Support Line: 1-866-488-7486 
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 

Step 7: Where is a safe place I should go? 

A place I feel most safe is: _________________________________________

Step 8: If myself and my caregiver are unable to stop me from acting on my thoughts, we will: 

• Call 911 
• Go to the nearest Emergency Room 
  • Children’s Minnesota (St. Paul) 
  • 345 Smith Ave N 
  • St. Paul, MN  55102
• Children’s Minnesota (Minneapolis) 
  • 2525 Chicago Ave S 
  • Minneapolis, MN  55404 

Questions? 

This information may not be specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. 

Last reviewed 8/2025 

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