Mental Health Crisis: Outpatient Help or Emergency Department?
A mental health crisis is frightening. Often it can be difficult to determine the right course of action—will an appointment with a behavioral health professional help or does the crisis require a trip to the Emergency Department (ED)?
First, if you have thoughts of suicide or harm toward others, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to your local ED immediately. Other indicators that the ED might be the best option include:
- Visual, auditory hallucinations or delusions that threaten safety
- Severe side effects from medication
- Aggression or assault
- Severe insomnia for more than two days
- Paranoia, confusion or mania that threaten safety
- Overdose, physical health emergency
Once at the ED, expect questions about current symptoms, when symptoms started, mental health history, relevant medical diagnoses, current mental health treatments and medications.
Monica Farquhar, director of Community Access and Recovery for Memorial Behavioral Health, weighs in on the value of having a crisis plan.
“A crisis plan can help you and your loved ones keep an eye out for certain symptoms and be aware of appropriate steps to take in the event of a mental health issue,” said Farquhar. “That plan should include the phone number of your therapist or psychiatrist, phone numbers of friends or family members plus a summary of diagnosis and any medications taken.”
Memorial Behavioral Health also offers the following resources for help:
- Memorial Behavioral Health Crisis Clinic: 710 N. Eighth St. Springfield, IL. Call 217-525-1064 or come in person. Walk-in services are available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Speak with a mental health professional to get immediate emotional support and be linked to services and/or community resources for ongoing support.
- The Living Room: 710 N. Eighth St. Springfield, IL. Call 217-588-5272 or come in person. Calm, safe space that serves as an alternative to the ED for immediate mental health support provided by Peer Recovery Specialists who have lived experience and can offer insightful support. The Living Room is free with no appointment required and available to those 18 and older. Open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Emotional Support Line: Individuals facing non-crisis issues like anxiety or depression are encouraged to call 217-588-5509. This free service is available to everyone, even those who are not Memorial Behavioral Health clients 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is 24/7 and can be called by anyone of any age who is experiencing a mental health crisis and contemplating suicide. A trained professional will provide you with immediate support and guidance.
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