A first call from a caller to a called party is forwarded to an agent at an answering service. A notification is received from the agent that a level of seriousness of the first call has become dire, and a second call is established between the agent and a crisis service having a crisis counselor that can provide assistance to the caller. The agent is connected into the second call only when the crisis counselor has acknowledged being available, and the second call is joined with the first call. The crisis counselor and the caller are allowed to speak directly by way of the joined calls, so that the crisis counselor can address the caller and attempt to convince same to avoid any activity that would be harmful thereto.