LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – For people in crisis who need mental health resources, getting that care often means visiting police or being hospitalized, but for those seeking care on their own, options are limited.
In the coming months, the nation's capital will have its first volunteer crisis center, a 16-bed facility near 14th and Adams streets. Integrated Behavioral Health Services says the $2.5 million project will fill a big gap and take a different approach than traditional centers.
“If someone is experiencing an extreme mental health crisis and they need a higher level of care, a little more intensive care, they can voluntarily enter this program without having to go through emergency protective custody from the police department or being hospitalized,” said Jamie Scott, chief innovation officer at Integrated Behavioral Health Services.
Region V Systems said its Crisis Stabilization Program is a key component of its Voluntary Crisis Response Centers, providing 24/7 psychiatric care and therapists to help people transition back into their normal living situations.
The center also offers short-term stays through its Mental Health Respite Program.
“If they're transitioning from one residential environment to another, this will be a good place for individuals to come and have a respite, but also receive that extra level of supervision and care that they may need at this time,” Scott said.
IBHS said once the center is open, it is expected to be at full capacity at all times as it receives referrals from Lincoln Police, the Mental Health Crisis Center and local hospitals.
“It's definitely a passion of ours to continue to serve these people in Lincoln, to help grow the community and build a better, stronger, healthier community,” Scott said.
IBHS said its opening date is set for Dec. 1. With financial support from insurance and Region 5, the company said it hopes to keep the cost of its services low or provide them free of charge.
Region V stated that the Crisis Stabilization Program targets individuals who:
· Be 19 years of age or older and reside in the Region V service area (southeast Nebraska)
· Have symptoms consistent with a current DSM diagnosis that require and can be addressed by intensive, systematic intervention
Severe disturbance in mood or thinking that interferes with daily life and requires immediate stabilization
· Risk of danger to self or others and lack of ongoing supervision support
Inpatient psychiatric care requires 24-hour observation and supervision, but not full-time observation.
· Benefit from short-term crisis intervention services and then return to a lower level of care immediately afterward
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