LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – For people in crisis who need mental health help, often the only way to get it is through a visit to the police or a hospital stay. But for those seeking help on their own, options are often scarce.
In a few months, the capital will have the first facility of its kind – a voluntary crisis response center. Located near 14th Street and Adams, it will serve as a 16-bed facility. According to Integrated Behavioral Health Services, the $2.5 million project will fill a major gap and take a different approach than traditional facilities.
“Individuals who are going through an extreme mental health crisis and need a higher level of care, a little more intensive care, can voluntarily participate in this program without being taken into police custody or hospitalized,” said Jamie Scott, chief innovation officer at Integrated Behavioral Health Services.
Region V Systems said the crisis stabilization program is a central part of the voluntary crisis response center, which provides 24/7 mental health care and therapists and helps people return to their normal living situations.
The center also offers short stays as part of the Mental Health Respite program.
“When you move from one residential setting to another, it’s a nice place for individuals to take a break but still receive that extra level of care and support that they may need during this time,” Scott said.
IBHS said it expects the center to be at full capacity once it opens, as it accepts referrals from Lincoln Police, the Mental Health Crisis Center and local hospitals.
“We want to continue to help these people here in Lincoln, and it is our passion to grow the community and build a better, stronger, healthier community,” Scott said.
According to IBHS, the opening date is set for December 1. It is hoped that thanks to insurance and funding from Region V, services will be low-cost or free.
Region V stated that the Crisis Stabilization Program is intended for persons who:
· You are at least 19 years old and live in the Region V (Southeast Nebraska) service area
· You have symptoms that correspond to a current DSM diagnosis that requires and can be treated by intensive, structured intervention
· Significant mood/thought disturbances that interfere with daily activities and require immediate stabilization
· They are at risk of endangering themselves or others and lack continuous monitoring support
· Require 24-hour observation and care, but not permanent observation in an inpatient psychiatric facility
· Can benefit from short-term crisis intervention services and can then quickly return to a less intensive level of care
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