Several times per month I get a call from a family with a young adult or adolescent who is exhibiting symptoms of a mental health problem. They are looking for guidance on how to begin the process of getting help. This is not a simple process and is often overwhelming. Very often it is a crisis that prompts the call. (e.g. violent behavior, an arrest, self-injurious behavior). Although I am an attorney, many of our clients have mental health issues and we have developed experience in navigating the system. First, I explain that doing nothing is not an option. Safety of everyone involved is paramount. While each case is different there are a few things we have learned.
- Determine as a family what will trigger a call to emergency services ( police, ambulance). Outline a crisis plan. Dangerous and life threatening language or behavior that needs to be taken seriously.
- Optimally, you will have a contact with a mental health professional that can guide you through some of the choice points.
- In advance of a crisis identify a hospital or treatment facility. Determine the criterion for admisssion and any payment options ( e.g. insurance, government benefits).
- Develop a written crisis plan. Keep it short and accessible.
- Call your local police department. Some departments have specially trained crisis intervention officers who are skilled at working with mentally ill individuals in a crisis.
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