What Is Crisis Stabilization?

There are a variety of resources and programs available for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis stabilization is a short-term, intensive support program designed to help people regain safety and stability during a mental health crisis. 

What Is Crisis Stabilization?

Crisis stabilization is short-term, intensive clinical support for people experiencing an acute mental health crisis that does not require inpatient hospitalization. The goal of crisis programs is stabilization so that the person can transition to the next level of care, which may include an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or traditional outpatient services (therapy and medication management). An individualized safety plan is created and refined during the program. 

How crisis stabilization differs from emergency room care

Rather than going to an emergency room, you can meet with a team of professionals virtually from the comfort of your home. Crisis programs are available when someone does not need urgent care or ongoing safety monitoring. 

How crisis stabilization differs from ongoing therapy or IOP

Crisis programs include many of the services that are offered in an IOP; however, they don’t involve as many hours of group therapy and clinical programming. Crisis programs involve individual therapy, medication management services, peer recovery support and skills building, and care management services. There is an extra emphasis on stabilization and safety planning that may not be present in ongoing therapy. 

Who Is Crisis Stabilization For?

Crisis stabilization programs are for people experiencing a mental health crisis and having symptoms such as thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, and trouble fulfilling their responsibilities. 

People who aren’t an active danger to themselves or others can benefit from the immediate support offered in a crisis program, which can help de-escalate a mental health crisis. Crisis programs can help avoid the need for emergency services and inpatient hospitalization. 

What Happens During Crisis Stabilization?

Crisis programs focus on identifying an individual’s needs, addressing them, and ensuring they are connected with the ongoing care and services needed to be healthy and stable. These programs are person-centered, meaning participants are actively involved in the process and decisions made. Treatment isn’t something done to the person; it is something they actively help shape and create. 

Assessment and safety planning

The initial clinical assessment involves meeting with both a mental health therapist and a psychiatric medication provider to ensure all one’s needs are identified and can be addressed in the program. They focus on the main concerns contributing to the crisis, as well as the factors that led to the current circumstances. The treatment team also reviews the social, familial, cultural, and health background to provide holistic support. 

The team also works with participants to collaboratively develop a safety plan. This is a living document that can be adjusted during the program as needed to best reflect what is found to be most helpful.

Safety planning involves identifying coping strategies, utilizing social support, determining steps to take during a crisis, and keeping one’s environment safe. Safety plans are a crucial tool to help prevent crises from recurring and, in case people do experience another crisis, to know what to do. 

Individual support and therapeutic contact

People receive one-on-one support with a therapist, as well as other treatment providers as needed. This can include peer support to work on personal goals and skill-building, medical and psychiatric services to start or adjust medications, and care management. 

Coordination with ongoing care

Care managers ensure you are receiving the best treatment while you are in the program, and that once you complete the crisis program, you are set up with the care you need to maintain long-term success. 

Virtual Crisis Stabilization: How It Works

Willow Health’s model was created to fill the gap between traditional outpatient offerings and inpatient hospitalization. Many people don’t need the high level of support and safety monitoring that a hospital provides, but perhaps aren’t able to attend another structured treatment program. Our crisis program is a bridge that meets people where they are and helps them regain stability. 

What virtual crisis stabilization looks like at Willow Health

Our program is delivered via encrypted video meetings from the comfort of your own home. We offer same-day or next-day appointments with licensed mental health clinicians who do a comprehensive assessment to ensure you get the help you need when you need it. 

Is virtual crisis stabilization as effective as in-person care?

According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, telehealth is an effective way to deliver care for the treatment of mental health concerns, which includes crisis services. There are numerous benefits to accessing care virtually, including no time wasted on transportation, no waiting rooms, and care available no matter where in New York you are. Care comes to you, where you are, when you need it. 

What Comes After Crisis Stabilization?

Crisis stabilization is the beginning of your journey towards better mental health. It’s a gateway to get you on track and feeling more supported and in control. Everyone is different, and your next step may include completing a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or outpatient services such as therapy and medication management. 

Even after you complete the program, you aren’t alone in figuring out what’s next. Your treatment team will work with you to create an aftercare plan and help you get set up with appointments. In this aftercare plan, they will review what signs to look out for that a mental health crisis could be recurring, and what you can do if so. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Crisis Stabilization

To learn more about Willow Health’s crisis program and intensive outpatient program (IOP), call us at 646-814-1530. 

How long does crisis stabilization last?

Our program is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs, including the length of time in the program. On average, people are with us about 4-6 weeks. 

Does insurance cover crisis stabilization services?

Most insurance plans typically cover the services that make up a crisis stabilization program. Talk to your treatment team and billing department if you have any questions about insurance coverage. 

Can I receive crisis stabilization virtually in New York State?

Yes! Thanks to technology, we work with people all over the state of New York. We pride ourselves in making high-quality, confidential, and patient-centered crisis care available to all New Yorkers. 

What's the difference between crisis stabilization and inpatient hospitalization?

Crisis stabilization is for people who are experiencing severe mental health concerns, but do not require the 24/7 safety monitoring, support, and medical attention offered in an inpatient hospital setting. Services are offered on an outpatient basis, and the person lives at home while participating. Crisis stabilization helps to prevent mental health crises from worsening, and in some cases can prevent the need for inpatient hospitalization. 

Sources 

Telehealth for the Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders | SAMHSA 

Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention