In a moment of mental health crisis, it can be difficult to know where to go to get help. It may be after hours when a doctor or therapist is not available. Emergency rooms are not really the best option, especially when there isn’t a medical situation to consider. Calling the police might not generate the outcome you want. It might seem like there are no good answers, and maybe once upon a time that was true. Today, though, a new way to help people in mental health crises has become available: a crisis stabilization center. Programs for crisis stabilization are a new way to seek treatment for mental health that are faster and more available than a traditional doctor or therapist appointment, but not as extreme as a hospitalization.
What Is Crisis Stabilization Treatment?
Crisis stabilization treatment is a type of program that helps individuals who are experiencing a mental, behavioral, or substance abuse crisis. The environment is meant to be calming and homelike, allowing clients to be safe and secure while also not as restricted as they would be in a traditional psychiatric hospital unit. Some crisis stabilization units have facilities for clients to stay overnight for short periods of time while others are meant for clients who can achieve stabilization in less than 24 hours.
Why Is Crisis Stabilization Treatment a Good Option?
For a long time, people in mental health crises and their loved ones would have to choose between waiting for a doctor or therapist to become available, visiting the emergency room, or even involving law enforcement. While there are times when all those options might be appropriate, oftentimes a lighter touch can work just as well or even better.
Clients who are experiencing a crisis can often benefit from short, but intensive assistance from care staff without needing full hospitalization or other more extreme measures. This kind of program can make mental health care much more accessible in communities, as well as help clients feel more comfortable seeking help.
When to Seek Crisis Stabilization Treatment
Crisis stabilization treatment is meant to address behavioral health and psychiatric emergencies. This can include the following:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming oneself or others
- Psychosis
- Substance abuse crisis
- Severe panic attacks
These situations are emergencies, but not necessarily the kind that is best dealt with in a traditional emergency room setting. If the emergency is psychiatric or behavioral in nature or related to substance use, a crisis stabilization center might be the best option if available.
What Happens if a Person Needs Further Treatment?
When utilizing the services of a crisis stabilization center, clients can be evaluated by care staff and referred to further treatment if needed. If the individual is having a difficult time stabilizing, for example, they may be referred to a more traditional psychiatric hospital setting. The level of care received at a crisis stabilization center is more personalized and tailored to the individual needs of the client, so is often more appropriate and less invasive. Clients maintain more independence and autonomy, making them partners in treatment rather than subjects.
Lotus Recovery Centers Understand Crisis Stabilization
At Lotus Recovery Centers, we understand that there is not a cookie-cutter approach to behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. We know that each client has different needs and therefore needs different care. If you or someone you love is in crisis, reach out to our knowledgeable and caring staff members at 833.922.1615 and let us tell you how we can help. No matter what the situation is, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Lotus Recovery Centers can walk with you every step of the way.
