A complete physical and psychological diagnostic evaluation by professionals will help the depressed person decide the type of treatment that might be best for him or her. However, if the situation is urgent because a suicide seems possible, taking the patient to the emergency room is the appropriate course of action
If the patient makes a suicide gesture or attempt, a 911 call is warranted. The patient might not realize how much help he or she needs. In fact, he or she might feel undeserving of help because of the negativity and helplessness that is a part of depressive illness.

Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral or provide diagnostic and treatment services. Check the Yellow Pages under "mental health," "health," "social services," "suicide prevention," "hospitals," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses.
Family doctors


Mental-health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, pastoral or mental-health counselors


Health-maintenance organizations


Community mental-health centers


Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics


Community support groups, often hospital-affiliated


University or medical school-affiliated programs


State hospital outpatient clinics


Family service/social agencies


Private clinics and facilities


Employee assistance programs


Local medical and/or psychiatric societies