What Is a Crisis Stabilization Clinic? Addiction Crisis Helpline & Treatment

Those experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises often need immediate intervention, and a hospital may be the first place you think of when you reach out for help. But a crisis stabilization clinic may be a better setting for short-term care and long-term recovery.

Crisis stabilization clinics, like Lotus Recovery Centers’ inpatient center in Prices Corner, Delaware, provide urgent care in a secure environment. Staff members de-escalate crisis situations, provide counseling, and offer ongoing support as clients become more stable.

How Crisis Stabilization Clinics Work

Crisis stabilization clinics are inpatient facilities that house up to 16 clients at a time. With a smaller size and a more home-like environment, crisis stabilization clinics are less restrictive than hospital settings but provide the same high standard of medical care. The inpatient structure helps ensure safety for clients whose needs can’t be met on an outpatient basis.

The goals of crisis stabilization are to address behavioral health crises quickly and to provide clients with the ongoing support they’ll need to remain stable after they leave. Clinic stays are designed to be short-term — no longer than 21 days — and the length of the stay will vary depending on the client’s needs.

Clients in acute crises are monitored with 24-hour observation. All clients receive full mental health assessments, individual counseling, sessions with a case manager, and connections to community resources and peer support. Doctors at crisis stabilization clinics prescribe and administer medication if needed.

Benefits of Crisis Stabilization

The crisis stabilization clinic model plays an essential role in mental health and crisis treatment; the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention calls crisis stabilization a “core element” of health care.

Clinics frequently serve as alternatives to emergency room (ER) admissions, especially when people in crisis see the ER as their only option. While crisis stabilization provides the same level of care and monitoring, clinic stays are far less expensive than ER stays. Staff members at crisis stabilization clinics may be more attuned to behavioral health needs. And with fewer clients than a busy emergency room, crisis clinic staff members have more time for each individual.

Some communities are considering crisis stabilization clinics as alternatives to incarceration on a case-by-case basis. When people experiencing mental health crises collide with law enforcement, a clinic admission can serve to keep everyone safe while getting the client ongoing help.

Who Needs a Crisis Stabilization Clinic?

If a person’s symptoms have escalated to the point where they need inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization might be the next step. This is particularly true if they’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition already.

Here are some signs to watch for:

Behavior that could be dangerous to themselves and others if it escalates
Difficulty maintaining basic self-care like personal hygiene
Struggling with decision making and other daily activities
Failure to recognize inappropriate actions
Escalation of previous symptoms
A need for daily structure and supervision

Crisis stabilization clinics aren’t for every situation. There are some cases where hospitalization or a higher level of care may be necessary:

Intoxication
Severe withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Imminent risk of harm to self or others

Our clinic offers intensive, immediate care in situations where crisis stabilization is appropriate. We’re also here for the next steps, including case management and follow-up care.

Find Out More at Lotus Recovery Centers

If you or someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, or if you just want to be prepared in case a crisis arises, Lotus Recovery Centers can help.

At our Prices Corner, Delaware crisis stabilization clinic, we offer quality inpatient care without the restrictive atmosphere of hospitalization. Services include medication, counseling, and referrals to local resources.

Our role doesn’t end when clients leave the clinic. If clients are returning home, they’ll be connected to outpatient programs, care providers, or support groups. Or they may enter one of our treatment programs for more targeted and structured support, which may include: