Mental Health - Mental Illness - Access Crisis Intervention

Access Crisis Intervention (ACI)

To provide immediate response, intervention, and referral for persons experiencing mental health crisis on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis whether in a rural, urban or metropolitan area.
To respond to crisis by providing community-based intervention in the least restrictive environment, e.g., home, school.
To avert the need for hospitalization to the greatest extent possible.
To stabilize persons in crisis and refer them to appropriate services to regain an optimal level of functioning.
To mobilize and link individuals with services, resources and supports needed for ongoing care following a crisis, including natural support networks.

24-hour "live" phone response - telephone crisis/referral/information
Mobile crisis response - 24-hour staffing, provide face-to-face on-site crisis stabilization
Next day appointments - allow the individual to receive timely services
Inpatient crisis services - decision of last resort after other options have been tried, or when it is obvious that other options will not work or others will be harmed
Alternative services - e.g. 23-hour observation beds, respite.