The National Guidelines for Behavioral Heath Crises Care-SAMHSA, what is it:

The National Guidelines for Behavioral Heath Crises Care-SAMHSA, what is it:

The National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, often referred to as the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Guidelines, are a set of recommendations and best practices for providing care and support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. SAMHSA is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that focuses on promoting mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

These guidelines aim to improve the quality of care and outcomes for people in crisis, including those with mental health issues, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. The guidelines provide a framework for the development of crisis services and systems that are recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed. They emphasize the importance of providing timely and appropriate care to individuals in crisis while minimizing the use of law enforcement or emergency departments as the primary response.

The SAMHSA National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care offer recommendations on various aspects of crisis care, including:

1. Crisis Intervention Services: Strategies for immediate response and de-escalation of crises.
2. Mobile Crisis Teams: The use of mobile crisis units staffed by trained professionals to provide on-site crisis assessment and intervention.
3. Crisis Stabilization Services: Providing short-term, acute care to individuals in crisis, which may include residential or inpatient services.
4. Peer Support: Involving individuals with lived experience in the delivery of crisis services to offer support and understanding.
5. Cross-System Collaboration: Encouraging coordination between mental health, substance abuse, and other relevant systems to provide comprehensive care.

These guidelines help communities and service providers develop crisis care systems that prioritize the well-being and recovery of individuals in need while minimizing the potential harm associated with traditional crisis responses. It’s important to note that specific guidelines and recommendations may evolve over time, so it’s essential to refer to the most up-to-date SAMHSA materials for the latest guidance on behavioral health crisis care.

Shervan K Shahhian