Mental health crises can be overwhelming at times, leaving individuals struggling with it and their loved ones unsure of how to proceed. During these times, it’s very important to know that mental health crisis treatment exists to provide immediate support and stabilization. Whether you or someone you care about is experiencing severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or emotional distress, mental health crisis treatment offers the important care designed to help you recover and have long lasting wellness to stay.

At New View Wellness, we specialize in helping people move past these mental health crises and heal to regain a sense of normality in their day to day life. This article will guide you through what to expect when entering a challenging mental health crisis treatment, help take the edge off of the fears and offer clarity on the treatment process.

What Qualifies as a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis occurs when an individual’s emotional or psychological state is so severe that it poses a risk to their safety or the safety of others. This may happen due to various factors, such as acute stress, unresolved trauma, substance use, or a psychiatric disorder. Recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis is the first step toward seeking appropriate treatment.

Signs You May Need Mental Health Crisis Treatment

Some signs that you may need immediate crisis intervention include:

1. Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm: If you are considering or planning to harm yourself, crisis treatment can provide a safe space where you can receive support and prevent self-harm.
2. Severe Panic or Anxiety Attacks: When panic attacks or anxiety become so severe that you are unable to function or calm down, crisis care can help stabilize your symptoms.
3. Psychosis or Disconnection from Reality: Hallucinations, delusions, or losing touch with reality are major indicators that urgent care is needed to protect your well-being.
4. Intense Mood Swings or Violent Behavior: Rapid shifts in mood, extreme anger, or aggression that may lead to harm for yourself or others are signs that immediate intervention is necessary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, mental health crisis treatment can provide the stabilization and support needed to manage the situation safely.

What is Mental Health Crisis Treatment?

Mental health crisis treatment involves immediate intervention designed to stabilize a person in acute emotional distress. Unlike regular outpatient therapy, which is designed for ongoing mental health management, crisis treatment is for urgent and severe situations that need rapid stabilization.

The Purpose of Crisis Treatment

The goal of mental health crisis treatment is to prevent harm, manage severe symptoms, and provide a structured environment where individuals can regain control over their mental health. Crisis treatment helps patients manage their immediate distress, stabilize their emotions, and transition to long-term care for continued support.

The Mental Health Crisis Evaluation Process

Upon entering crisis treatment, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Mental health professionals assess the severity of the crisis, identify any immediate risks, and create a treatment plan.

Initial Assessment

During the initial assessment, a mental health professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the crisis. This process helps determine the best course of action for your treatment. The evaluation may include:

1. Interviews: A therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional will conduct interviews to better understand the nature of the crisis.
2. Observation: Mental health professionals will observe your behavior and responses to assess your current mental state.
3. Risk Assessment: This includes evaluating the potential risk of harm to yourself or others, such as suicidal ideation or aggression.

Role of Family and Friends

Loved ones can play a critical role in the evaluation process. Family members or close friends may be asked to provide additional information about your behavior, history, and recent actions. Their input can help the treatment team gain a fuller picture of your situation and offer better support.

Creating a Safety Plan

Once the evaluation is complete, the mental health team will create a safety plan tailored to your needs. This plan outlines immediate actions to stabilize your condition, such as:

1. Inpatient hospitalization for round-the-clock care.
2. Medication management to alleviate severe symptoms.
3. Outpatient crisis care or mobile crisis units for those who can safely remain at home.

What to Expect During Mental Health Crisis Treatment

The type of crisis treatment you receive depends on the severity of your symptoms. The two most common types of crisis intervention are inpatient crisis treatment and outpatient crisis stabilization.

Inpatient Crisis Treatment

Inpatient crisis treatment is the most intensive form of mental health care. It involves staying at a hospital or mental health facility where patients receive 24-hour supervision and care. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Intake and Safety Protocols: Upon arrival, staff will conduct a thorough intake assessment. Safety protocols may include removing any items that could be used for self-harm and monitoring patient activity.
2. Supervised Care: Inpatient crisis treatment provides constant supervision by mental health professionals, ensuring that patients are safe and supported at all times.
3. Medication Management: If needed, psychiatrists will prescribe medication to help stabilize mood, manage psychosis, or reduce anxiety.
4. Therapy and Counseling: Patients may receive individual or group therapy sessions to help them process their emotions and gain coping strategies.

Inpatient care offers a safe, controlled environment where individuals can focus on stabilizing their mental health without external stressors.

Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)

Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) are designed for short-term, intensive care. These units provide 24-hour supervision and immediate treatment for individuals in a mental health crisis, but typically involve shorter stays than inpatient treatment. Here’s what you can expect in a CSU:

1. Short-Term Care: Patients usually stay in a CSU for 1-3 days, during which time they receive medical and therapeutic care.
2. Immediate Stabilization: The primary goal of a CSU is to stabilize acute symptoms and prevent harm. This includes medication management, counseling, and safety monitoring.
3. Transition Planning: Once stabilized, patients are transitioned to outpatient care or another form of long-term treatment, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need after leaving the unit.

Outpatient Crisis Treatment

For individuals who do not require inpatient care, outpatient crisis treatment offers another level of support. Outpatient treatment may involve:

1. Mobile Crisis Response Teams: These teams provide on-site support to individuals in crisis, offering de-escalation techniques, counseling, and safety planning.
2. Urgent Care Mental Health Services: Some mental health clinics offer same-day appointments or teletherapy sessions for individuals in crisis who need immediate intervention but don’t require hospitalization.

Types of Interventions Used in Crisis Treatment

Mental health crisis treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapeutic support, and de-escalation techniques to manage acute symptoms.

Medication Management

Medications may be used during crisis treatment to help stabilize your mental state. Common medications include:

1. Antipsychotics: Used to manage symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions.
2. Mood Stabilizers: Help regulate severe mood swings and prevent episodes of mania or depression.
3. Anxiolytics: Medications that reduce acute anxiety or panic attacks.

While medications can be effective in the short-term, mental health professionals will work with you to determine the best treatment plan, which may or may not involve long-term medication use.

Therapeutic Support

Therapy is a crucial component of mental health crisis treatment. Even during a short-term crisis, therapeutic interventions can help patients process their emotions and begin working toward recovery. Common therapeutic approaches include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their distress.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is particularly effective for managing intense emotions and preventing impulsive behavior, making it useful during a crisis.
3. De-escalation Techniques: Crisis intervention teams use various techniques to calm individuals in distress and prevent harm. These techniques include grounding exercises, breathing exercises, and mindfulness.

How Long Does Mental Health Crisis Treatment Last?

The duration of mental health crisis treatment varies depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their symptoms. Here are some factors that influence how long crisis treatment lasts:

1. Severity of Symptoms: Individuals experiencing severe psychosis or suicidal thoughts may need longer stays in crisis treatment.
2. Response to Treatment: Some individuals stabilize quickly with the help of medication and therapy, while others may need more time to recover.
3. Support Systems: The availability of a strong support network can influence how quickly someone transitions out of crisis care.

On average, inpatient crisis treatment may last a few days to a week, while outpatient services can vary depending on the individual’s progress.

Common Concerns About Mental Health Crisis Treatment

Entering mental health crisis treatment can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time seeking this level of care. It’s normal to have concerns or fears about what the process will involve. Below are some common concerns people have about mental health crisis treatment and what you can expect.

Will I Be Forced to Stay?

One of the most common concerns is whether seeking crisis treatment means you’ll be forced to stay in a hospital or treatment center. In most cases, individuals enter crisis treatment voluntarily. However, in situations where a person poses a severe risk to themselves or others, they may be placed in involuntary treatment. This typically happens when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or psychosis, and cannot make rational decisions about their safety. Mental health professionals work closely with patients to ensure they receive the care they need in a safe and supportive environment.

Will I Be Judged for Needing Crisis Care?

Many people worry about the stigma associated with seeking crisis treatment. It’s important to remember that mental health crises are medical emergencies, just like physical health emergencies. Seeking crisis care is a courageous step toward protecting your well-being, and mental health professionals are trained to approach these situations with compassion and understanding. There is no judgment in needing help—only support and the desire to help you heal.

What If I Don’t Want Medication?

Medication is often a helpful tool in stabilizing severe mental health symptoms, but it’s not the only treatment option. If you have concerns about taking medication, let your treatment team know. They will work with you to explore alternatives, such as therapy or holistic approaches. Crisis treatment centers focus on personalized care, meaning your preferences and concerns are always considered in the treatment process.

Can I Leave Crisis Treatment If I Feel Better?

In voluntary crisis treatment, you typically have the right to leave if you feel stable enough. However, mental health professionals will ensure that you are truly ready to leave before discharging you. If your symptoms improve quickly and you no longer require intensive care, your treatment team will transition you to a less restrictive setting, such as outpatient therapy or follow-up care with a psychiatrist. The goal is to make sure you have the support needed to continue healing after leaving crisis care.

What Happens After Crisis Treatment?

Mental health crisis treatment doesn’t end when you leave the treatment facility. Ongoing care is essential to maintaining stability and preventing future crises. Here’s what to expect after completing crisis treatment:

Transition to Long-Term Care

After stabilizing in crisis treatment, individuals often transition to long-term care options that provide continued support. Your treatment team will work with you to develop a follow-up care plan that suits your needs. This might include:

1. Outpatient Therapy: Regular therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional to address underlying issues and build coping skills.
2. Medication Management: If you are prescribed medication during crisis treatment, follow-up appointments with a psychiatrist will help monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
3. Support Groups: Peer support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges.

Follow-up Appointments and Ongoing Support

Regular follow-up appointments with your mental health provider are crucial for maintaining stability after a crisis. These appointments allow your therapist or psychiatrist to check in on your progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide additional support as you continue healing. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual needs and how well you’re managing after crisis treatment.

Building a Support Network

A strong support network is key to preventing future mental health crises. Family members, friends, and healthcare providers can offer emotional support and practical assistance as you navigate recovery. Your treatment team may involve loved ones in your care plan, helping them understand how best to support you. In addition, building connections through support groups or community mental health resources can help you feel less isolated and more empowered in your recovery journey.

Mental Health Crisis – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What qualifies as a mental health crisis? A mental health crisis includes severe emotional distress or behaviors that pose a risk to yourself or others. This may involve suicidal thoughts, psychosis, extreme anxiety or panic, or aggressive behavior.

How do I know if I need mental health crisis treatment? If you are experiencing symptoms like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, hallucinations, or extreme emotional distress, you may need immediate crisis treatment. A mental health professional can help assess the severity of your situation and recommend appropriate care.

What happens during a mental health crisis evaluation? During a crisis evaluation, mental health professionals assess your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history. This evaluation helps create a personalized treatment plan to stabilize your condition and ensure your safety.

Will I be hospitalized if I seek crisis treatment? Not necessarily. While some individuals may require inpatient care, others may be treated through outpatient crisis intervention services, such as mobile crisis teams or teletherapy. The level of care depends on your specific needs and the severity of your crisis.

How long does crisis treatment last? Crisis treatment can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on your symptoms and how quickly you stabilize. After crisis treatment, you will likely continue with outpatient care to support long-term recovery.

The Importance of Mental Health Crisis Treatment: We’re Here to Help

Mental health crises can be frightening, but they are manageable with the right care and support. Seeking mental health crisis treatment is a crucial step toward stabilizing your condition and protecting your well-being. Whether you need inpatient care, crisis stabilization, or outpatient intervention, mental health professionals at New View Wellness are here to guide you through the process.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t wait—seek help immediately. New View Wellness provides compassionate crisis care designed to stabilize symptoms and offer a path to long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health crisis treatment services and how we can support you during this challenging time.