The crisis care system plays a crucial role in addressing the opioid epidemic, providing immediate assistance and support to individuals experiencing opioid-related emergencies. It serves as a vital safety net, offering timely interventions, overdose reversal treatments, and access to medical and psychological support.
Crisis Care Resources
Websites
Pathways in Crisis Services
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call. Text. Chat.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish). Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the website.
Tools & Resources
Posters & Infographics
Verbal De Escalation Pocket Card (English and Spanish)
Verbal De-escalation can be useful in situations when a person is showing overt signs of escalating agitation. This pocket card is a quick and easy way to remember how to appropriately engage in a Verbal De-escalation intervention.
Download the Pocket Card
Publications
Crisis Services: Meeting Needs, Saving Lives
This book is composed of SAMHSA’s “National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: Best Practice Toolkit” and related papers on crisis services. The toolkit reflects relevant clinical and health services research, review of top national program practices and replicable approaches that support best practice implementation. The related papers address key issues relevant to crisis services, homelessness, technology advances, substance use, legal issues impacting crisis services, financing crisis care, diverse populations, children and adolescents, rural and frontier areas, and the role of law enforcement.