Press Release: Regional Health Systems Breaks Ground on Crisis and Mental Health Stabilization Services Program

MERRILLVILLE, IN – Regional Health Systems announces the groundbreaking of an innovative sub-acute Crisis Receiving and Mental Health Stabilization Services Program. This program aims to provide comprehensive crisis support to both youth and adults in alignment with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Best Practices. By implementing a No Wrong Door philosophy, Regional Health Systems seeks to ensure that individuals experiencing crisis receive the timely and appropriate care they need.

The new Crisis Receiving and Mental Health Stabilization Services Program will revolutionize the way crisis services are delivered in Northwest Indiana. It will offer an integrated approach to addressing the mental health needs of individuals in crisis, regardless of age. By combining evidence-based practices and a client-centered approach, Regional Health Systems aims to provide effective interventions and support during critical periods of distress.

Key features of the program include:

• Specialized Crisis Receiving Unit: A dedicated unit will be established to receive individuals in crisis, providing a safe and therapeutic environment for assessment and stabilization. The unit will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals who specialize in crisis intervention and support.
• Mental Health Stabilization Services: The program will offer comprehensive mental health stabilization services, tailored to meet the unique needs of youth and adults. These services may include individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and skill-building activities to enhance coping strategies and overall well-being.
• SAMHSA Best Practices: The program will adhere to SAMHSA Best Practices, ensuring that evidence-based interventions and approaches are implemented to promote positive outcomes for individuals in crisis. Continuous evaluation and improvement will be integral to the program’s operation.
• No Wrong Door Philosophy: Regional Health Systems is committed to the No Wrong Door philosophy, which means that any individual in crisis will be welcomed and supported, regardless of how they enter the health care system. This approach eliminates barriers and promotes accessibility to crisis services through various entry points such as emergency departments, community organizations, law enforcement, and self-referrals.

To accommodate the program, Regional Health Systems will revamp its Merrillville Care Center on 8555 Taft St beginning November 1, 2023. The program is expected to open to the public in 2024.

Funding for the Crisis Receiving and Mental Health Stabilization Services Program was made possible by a grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the National Opioid Settlement.

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About Regional Health Systems

Regional Health Systems is Northwest Indiana’s largest provider of community-based mental health care, primary health care and addiction treatment services. We offer adults and children—both uninsured and insured—integrated care through our community mental health center and federally qualified health center. Regional Health Systems is a member of the Regional Care Group.