Across the U.S., states and communities are facing a mental health crisis. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently released a new poll, conducted by Ipsos, that shows 86 percent of Americans believe that elected officials need to do more to improve the nation’s mental health care.
Here is a look at what states and communities around the country are doing to address mental health needs.
Michigan Launches Wayne County Mobile Crisis Units
Wayne County, Michigan, is launching a dozen mobile crisis units, each with two licensed mental health professionals from Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. These units will travel to any location in the area to offer de-escalation and intervention services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This provides an alternative to a 911 call or an emergency room visit.
Purchased with grant money and supported by Medicaid, the units will become available in December 2023. Operational hours will start at 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., eventually becoming available 24/7.
Law Enforcement Officers Get Help With a Crisis Intervention Dog
Many law enforcement workers experience high levels of job-related stress. In South Carolina, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department has brought in a Crisis Intervention Dog to provide additional workplace support.
The dog is trained in particular cues and tasks that could help people in crisis, according to Allison Farrell, the department’s Director of Wellness & Resiliency. Besides providing comfort and reducing stress, the dog may also encourage officers to open up to conversations they may not otherwise have, such as asking for mental health help.
Wisconsin Proposes Pilot Program to Connect Individuals to Behavioral Health Help
Wisconsin lawmakers are considering a proposed telemedicine crisis response pilot program that would allow law enforcement officers to connect individuals in a mental health crisis with behavioral health professionals. This is intended to reduce arrests or involuntary commitments to mental health facilities.
Sheriff’s departments in Nevada and South Dakota have launched similar programs. Law enforcement officers have tablets that provide round-the-clock access to a behavioral health professional. This expert can virtually communicate with the person in a mental health crisis, then develop a follow-up plan with police.
Under Wisconsin’s current budget, $2 million goes toward grants to local law enforcement agencies to cover the costs of equipment, such as tablets and smartphones, and behavioral telehealth services. Wisconsin’s Assembly approved one form of the legislation in November, which would require officials to gather data by May 2025 to evaluate the pilot program’s success.
Traverse Academy in Colorado Serves Students With Mental Health Needs
Colorado’s Cherry Creek Schools in October opened Traverse Academy, a new facility that serves students in a mental health crisis. As the first mental health treatment facility in the U.S. operated by a school district, Traverse Academy provides intense outpatient therapy and helps students transition back into a traditional classroom.
The facility includes an outdoor learning space, meditative labyrinth, and a rock climbing wall. The school is starting with about a dozen students in grades 4 through 12, with plans to enroll more in the near future.
The U.S. mental health crisis is seeing demand for behavioral health services rise across the nation. With the right tools, your practice can address this increased demand and help clients achieve the best outcome. Contact BestNotes today to learn how our EHR software can streamline your operations!