A well-designed crisis care system has the potential to transform how individuals in need access timely and appropriate support. Central to this vision are crisis centers, which provide immediate interventions for those experiencing behavioral health emergencies. 

These centers encompass a diverse range of services, from peer-led respite programs to medically intensive treatment. Ideally, a comprehensive crisis center would offer a "no wrong door" approach, ensuring that all individuals receive the level of care required, without barriers or delays. 

However, the current landscape of crisis centers is complex and varied. Services differ in their scope, capability, and target populations, which can lead to confusion in coordinating care and ensuring that individuals are directed to the appropriate level of support. 

This highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the different types of crisis centers, their respective roles within a comprehensive crisis system, and the key elements necessary for seamless transitions between levels of care. Dr. Chris Carson, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Connections Health Solutions, and Dr. Margie Balfor, chief quality and clinical innovation officer at Connections Health Solutions, authored a white paper defining center-based crisis services in an effort to clarify population served, clinical model and staffing, and center requirements for the major crisis center types. 

In this series, we will explore these issues in greater detail, examining the receiving function, 23-hour observation unit, crisis stabilization, urgent care, and lower acuity crisis stabilization programs. 

SOURCE: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0193953X24000443