This May, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing hosted NatCon25, a premier gathering in mental health and substance use, which brought together nearly 6,000 professionals to address critical behavioral health challenges. Our team was honored to both attend and present, engaging with a wide range of professionals dedicated to improving crisis care nationwide.
The conference created a valuable forum where innovation met practice, uniting clinicians, administrators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates around a shared mission: designing, operating, and funding best-in-class crisis systems that support the full continuum of care. Here are three key takeaways from the event:
1. The crisis continuum: a holistic approach
A clear theme throughout the conference was the importance of viewing crisis services as a complete continuum rather than isolated components, an approach that has long been recognized but continues to gain momentum. The "no wrong door" approach ensures individuals receive the appropriate care regardless of how they enter the system, encompassing:
This three-pronged approach ensures that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises receive appropriate care regardless of how they enter the system. Already proven to improve outcomes, this model remained a central focus throughout the conference as leaders and stakeholders explored ways to strengthen crisis systems and meet people where they are.
Supporting this approach, the conference also highlighted SAMHSA’s newly released National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance, which offers a comprehensive framework for transforming crisis care systems nationwide. This guidance includes two key documents:
These guidelines establish tiered standards for crisis stabilization services, providing communities with clear pathways to integrate these vital services into their emergency response systems.
2. Federal policy can accelerate crisis system transformation
Chris Santarsiero, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections, highlighted how federal efforts are supporting 24/7/365 crisis stabilization services and advancing the national vision of ensuring “a safe place to go” for all individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
A central focus was the Crisis Care Access and Response Expansion for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 (CARE for Behavioral Health Act), a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Key provisions include:
These policy initiatives represent a significant step toward creating sustainable, accessible crisis care systems across the country, with federal support amplifying local and state efforts. When paired with local and state-level initiatives, they help create the policy foundation needed to ensure that every community can implement a full continuum of crisis care.
3. Real solutions for communities
Presenters shared strategies for how state, county, and municipal governments can implement high-quality emergency response crisis stabilization centers. These centers offer solutions to persistent challenges including:
The evidence presented was conclusive: well-designed crisis stabilization centers can effectively divert individuals from unnecessary emergency department visits, psychiatric hospitalization, and inappropriate incarceration.
Looking forward
The energy and commitment at NatCon2025 reflected a growing national consensus: behavioral health crisis care systems are essential infrastructure that save lives, reduce costs, and better serve our communities.
As momentum builds nationwide, we invite community leaders, healthcare systems, and policymakers to:
By learning from established experts and implementing evidence-based models, communities across the country can transform how they respond to behavioral health crises. Connections remains committed to partnering with communities ready to take this important step forward.
Connections’ proven clinical model supports SAMHSA’s “no wrong door” approach by:
This model gives communities a practical, evidence-based framework to improve outcomes and reduce strain on emergency departments, hospitals, and law enforcement.
For more information on crisis system development or to learn how Connections Health Solutions can support your community's crisis care initiatives, please visit About.