Areas of support in mental health crisis management

Having specific areas of support in a mental health crisis management plan ensures that all aspects of the person's needs are addressed during a crisis. This plan includes immediate actions like contacting emergency services to long term care actions that prevent future relapses. 

The focus areas needed in a mental health crisis plan 

1. Immediate crisis response: The plan includes access to 24/7 emergency contact numbers for dedicated mental health crisis practitioners. If possible this could include mobile crisis teams are prepared to provide rapid onsite responses to stabilize the patient in their own environment, which can be less disorienting than hospitalization.
2. Clinical intervention: Emergency medication protocols are established, detailing when and how specific medications should be administered during a crisis. This is complemented by therapeutic de-escalation techniques that are personalized to the patient, incorporating practices like mindfulness or grounding exercises that have proven effective in past situations.
3. Safety protocols: Regular safety checks of the patient’s living environment are conducted to minimize potential risks, ensuring that the space is safe and secure. Personal safety plans are also developed in collaboration with the patient and caregivers. 
4. Communication strategies: The plan maintains updated contact lists of individuals—including family, friends, and healthcare providers—who should be contacted under different circumstances, some of whom may provide emotional support while others handle medical or legal decisions. 
5. Supportive care: Access to peer support networks offers the patient empathy and understanding from individuals who have experienced similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and support. Training for family members and caregivers equips them with the knowledge to recognize early signs of a crisis and respond effectively.
6. Post-crisis management: Scheduled debriefing sessions following a crisis help review the sequence of events, evaluate the response’s effectiveness, and adjust the crisis plan as necessary. Continuity of care is prioritized, with clear communication paths established among all healthcare providers involved to ensure the patient receives consistent and comprehensive care following a crisis.
7. Preventive measures: Guidance on lifestyle adjustments that can reduce the likelihood of a crisis is provided, focusing on key areas such as sleep, diet, and exercise. Stress management programs are also made available, teaching the patient effective coping mechanisms to manage stress before it leads to a crisis.

The benefit of using communication to improve patient outcomes during a crisis 

A collaborative journal article published in Disability and Rehabilitation quoted Ball et al in defining what quantifies a crisis for a patient, “...individuals with severe and persistent mental illness experience an underlying vulnerability leading to the crisis, where they begin to feel overwhelmed and a lack of control, from there they exhibit signs of agitation, anger, aggression; being low; feeling anxious; and euphoria, which leads to either an immediate response of getting help or of managing alone.”

When someone experiences a mental health crisis, having a crisis management plan acts like a roadmap for navigating through these intense situations. It details specific actions to take, which can reduce confusion and help stabilize the person swiftly and safely. 

Communication allows this plan to remain ready and effective. HIPAA compliant email, specifically, is the best method for communicating a mental health crisis management plan due to its its ability to deliver detailed, confidential information instantly and securely to all relevant parties. This ensures that everyone involved—whether family, caregivers, or healthcare professionals—has access to the same comprehensive guidance and can respond swiftly and cohesively in a crisis.

See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What are examples of a mental health crisis? 

Examples of a mental health crisis include suicidal thoughts, severe panic attacks, psychotic episodes, and extreme agitation or aggression.

Can providers send patients' family emails to update them on their care?

Yes, providers can send patients' families emails to update them on their care, but it typically requires the patient's consent.

Is consent needed to email patients?

Yes.