How Counties Are Leading the Way in Crisis System Transformation

The launch of 988 in July of 2022 started a renewed focus on mental health crisis care, with increased investments and local collaboration nationwide. Counties, states and other forms of local governments each have different resources, relationships, and regulations that could affect the crisis system. A crisis continuum includes

• Someone to Contact: Regional 24/7 clinically staffed hub/crisis call center that provides crisis intervention capabilities (telephonic, text, and chat). 
• Someone to Respond: Mobile crisis teams available to reach any person in the service area in their home, workplace, or any other community-based location of the individual in crisis in a timely manner. 
• A Safe Place for Help: Crisis Stabilization facilities providing short-term (under 24 hours) observation and crisis stabilization services to all referrals in a home-like, non-hospital environment. 

Enhancing this continuum in local communities will require support from all levels of government through resource sharing, implementing best practices, and funding. This brief will explore how counties are building out their crisis continuum as awareness of 988 and demand for services increases.