Press Release - RCS Clarifies Crisis Response Services and Protocols
Ukiah, CA - Redwood Community Services is issuing this statement to clarify our Crisis Response process and legal obligations. Recently, there have been comments in social media and news outlets regarding our services that warrant explanation and clarification.
Our top priorities are providing empathetic, compassionate care for those in crisis, and ensuring the safety of our clients, staff, and the community. When someone contacts us experiencing a mental health crisis, our crisis workers immediately respond. We thoroughly evaluate for risk of harm to self or others, and determine appropriate next steps which may include:
- Voluntary referral to emergency services or hospitalization: If the individual is deemed an imminent danger to themselves or others, we may refer them to emergency services or hospitalization. This is an absolute last resort. RCS does not determine if and when a hospital discharges a client; it’s solely at their discretion.
- Safety planning: Working with the individual to develop coping strategies and a plan to stay safe until the crisis has passed. We provide follow up to ensure the safety plan is effective.
- Counseling and support: For those not at immediate risk of harm, we provide counseling and support over the phone. We help de-escalate the crisis, process feelings, and connect people with additional resources.
- Referral to outpatient services: For ongoing support, we refer individuals to mental health and social services in the community.
RCS follows all laws, regulations, and policies set forth by the California Department of Health and Human Services and Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. This includes strict requirements around involuntary holds, known as 5150, which allow a person to be temporarily detained against their will if they are a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health condition. Involuntary holds can only be enacted by licensed professionals, require initial and ongoing assessments, and have maximum time limits set by law.
RCS aims to provide compassionate, ethical, and responsible crisis care. Our crisis responders are highly trained professionals focused on de-escalating crises, evaluating risks, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources. Safety, confidentiality, and building trust are top priorities. RCS cannot provide details on specific cases, to any individual or entity not included in a Release of Information, due to privacy laws but strives for collaboration to ensure individual and public safety when applicable. In 2022, 8,968 Crisis services were provided totaling 14, 233 hours of service.
RCS continues advocating for improved mental health resources and crisis response across Mendocino County. Through community partnerships, education, and a 24-hour crisis hotline, RCS works to strengthen the local crisis response system and build a more supportive community for those facing mental health challenges.
If you have a loved one or someone close to you accessing Crisis Response Services, this video will walk you through what these services look like and how you can be a support: https://tinyurl.com/h2bcks9z
For a safe & judgment-free place to talk in Mendocino County, call our 24/7 Crisis Line 855-838-0404.
Press Contact: PR@redwoodcommunityservices.org
