Virginia is here to help, not only during your 988 call, but through treatment and recovery as well. Here’s how Virginia’s Crisis Continuum of Care can evolve to meet the needs of a person in crisis.

Crisis workers in Virginia’s 24/7 call centers are trained to help callers with appropriate care over the phone. They can also help connect the caller to local behavioral health services. If a threat to life or active suicide is in progress, 988 will contact 911.

Mobile crisis teams serve people in mental distress who could be a danger to themselves or others. These rapid responders provide on-scene evaluation, treatment, and crisis intervention, so the person in distress gets the care they need.

Short-term crisis stabilization services provide supervised care to de-escalate the severity of a crisis or need for hospitalization. These units offer the community a “no-wrong-door” entry point to mental health and substance use care. They operate much like a hospital emergency department that accepts all walk-ins, and ambulance, fire, and police drop-offs.

Following a crisis, care coordination helps with making a smooth transition back to the community. Care coordinators can connect the individual with the support necessary for maintaining recovery and continued stability. This support could include counseling, psychiatric services, peer support, and other services such as psychosocial rehabilitation or skills training.