County and regional mental-health offices are typically the first contact for people seeking help. But clients also may find private providers through referrals from court officials or word of mouth.

IN WAKE COUNTY, the 24-hour numbers are (866) 518-6784 and 250-3133. The customer support center, at 212-7000, answers calls from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

IN DURHAM COUNTY, call 560-7100 or (800) 510-9132.

IN ORANGE, PERSON AND CHATHAM, call (800) 233-6834 or 913-4100.

IN JOHNSTON COUNTY, call 989-5500 or (888) 815-8934.

IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, call (877) 619-3761.

From there, the path depends on whether the call involves an emergency or if an appointment is needed in a few days.

In emergencies, the clinicians answering the hot line may call 911. If the region has its own crisis office, the clinician may ask the caller to come in for a meeting.

In non-emergencies, callers choose from a list of providers based on what services they need and how the bills will be paid. Medicaid patients generally have more choices. People who need the state to pay for mental-health services may end up in the same kind of care but have more limits on how long they can stay in treatment.