Practice Guidelines: Core Elements for Responding to Mental Health Crises

This publication was prepared for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by Robert Bernstein, PhD, executive director of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Individuals experiencing mental health crises may encounter an array of professionals and non-professionals trying to intervene and help. The specific crisis response offered is influenced by a number of variables. The guidelines presented here define appropriate responses to mental health crises across these variables. They were developed by a diverse expert panel that includes individuals with and without serious mental illnesses who are leaders within mental health professions and mental health advocacy.

SAMHSA-Practice Guidelines Core Elements for Responding to Mental Health Crises.pdf — PDF document, 383Kb