Someone I know is experiencing a mental health crisis
de-escalation
A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person's behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves.
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Someone experiencing a mental health crisis can't always clearly communicate their thoughts, feelings, needs or emotions. They may also find it difficult to understand what others are saying. It's important to empathize and recognize what they are feeling, stay calm, and try to de-escalate the crisis.
if there is no immediate danger, try to deescalate
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keep your voice calm.
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remove any triggers or stressors.
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create a safe environment such as removing potentially dangerous objects or car keys.
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listen intentionally and honor their experience.
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offer support and encourage treatment.
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avoid touching the person unless they give you permisson.
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be patient.
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Learn more about how to de-escalate a crisis from the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
if you can't de-escalate or if the situation escalates such that the safety of anybody is in jeopardy:
Mobile Crisis Response
or
Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) are specialized units that provide immediate, on-site intervention for mental health crises and act as an alternative to police intervention, although MCRTs often work collaboratively with police departments.
These teams include mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, crisis counselors, medical personnel, peer support specialists, and specially trained law enforcement officers.
911
dial 911 and report the situation as a “51/50” which means that the person is a danger to themselves or others. It is very important to give as much context to the operator to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Click on your county icon to find a Mobile Crisis Response Team near you.
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Improved Outcomes: Timely intervention can significantly improve mental health outcomes.
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Reduced Emergency Strain: MCRTs lessen the burden on emergency departments and law enforcement.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Preventing hospital admissions and reducing emergency service use is more cost-effective.
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Enhanced Safety: Trained to manage crises safely, MCRTs reduce harm risk.
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Stigma Reduction: Professional, compassionate care helps destigmatize mental health issues.
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Community Trust: Presence of MCRTs builds trust in mental health services and enhances community engagement.
benefits of MCRTs