My colleagues in the mental health professions have often lamented the lack of emergency mental health assistance available to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
We have had to rely on services available through 911 which, while able to respond to an emergency, are not trained mental health professionals and therefore not able to provide the level of response needed in these situations.
When someone with a mental emergency does not get the care they need, this greatly increases the risk. I am happy to say that mental health care in the U.S.
has just taken a major step forward. Are you aware of the new 988 mental help emergency number?This past July 16, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line became available nationwide.