DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 13, 2019) — Vera French Community Mental Health Center is excited to announce the opening of the area’s first Crisis Stabilization program. The 5-bed home located in Davenport offers a short-term stay (less than five calendar days) for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
This new service operates 24/7 and is a voluntary program for ages 18 and older. The program is staffed to stabilize the crisis and reintegrate individuals back into the community. Another goal of this program is to provide an additional option for individuals in a mental health crisis rather than relying exclusively on law enforcement or emergency rooms.
With the closest similar service operating in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kate DeRooi LMHC, Crisis Stabilization Residential Program Manager, explains that, “this unique level of care for individuals involves daily therapeutic intervention on their own terms. Our program is completely voluntary and less restrictive than an inpatient setting. Individuals in crisis may not always require a full hospital admission, and we are aiming to provide intensive services for those that can be managed safely in our community-based setting.”
In order to utilize the Crisis Stabilization program, an individual must be determined appropriate by trained personnel who will conduct a mental health assessment. Requirements for admission can be found at: www.verafrenchmhc.org/services-for-adults/crisis-stabilization-home/
Upon admission to the program, an individual will be met by trained personnel, complete admission paperwork, and review the program structure, rules, and schedules. Within 24 hours of admission, an individual will meet with a licensed mental-health professional to create a stabilization plan. This will include the individual’s short-term goals as well as a discharge plan for aftercare.
DeRooi also stated that, “When dealing with a mental health crisis, we know individuals and their loved ones may not know where to turn. The crisis home is a safe place that strives to put individuals and their families at ease.”
This service would not be possible without the support of the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region. Additional program information can be found on the Vera French website. Questions about referrals or the process can be answered by calling (563) 396-3017.