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Transforming crisis services
Timely and appropriate supports are the first line of mental health care. When fully realised, they reduce the demand for inpatient beds which provide essential backup when psychiatric needs cannot be met in the community. Four core elements provide the optimal continuum of care:
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Regional or statewide crisis call centres coordinating in real time
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Centrally deployed, 24/7 mobile crisis
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Short-term, “sub-acute” crisis recovery lounge areas
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Essential crisis care principles and practices
Review the Crisis Now flow of services here
Taking the Lead:
International Declaration for Mental Health Crisis Care
Australia joined 10 other nations in the release of the first ever International Declaration on Mental Health Crisis Care giving healthcare leaders, governments and community organisations a blueprint for quality crisis care that must be available for everyone, everywhere, every time it is needed.
Review the International Declaration here
Mental health crisis care
must have parity with
physical emergency care
Crisis Care Now Framework
Crisis call centres
Use technology for real-time coordination across a system of care and leverage big data for performance improvement.
Mobile crisis teams
Offer outreach and support where people in crisis are located. Response times are agreed contractually.
Short-stay recovery lounge areas
Short-term “sub-acute” lounge areas provide care for individuals who need support and observation, but not emergency department or medical inpatient stay.
Essential crisis care
Recovery orientation, trauma-informed care, peer staff, commitment to Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care and collaboration with police and other agencies.