Crisis Resource Centers (CRCs) are community-based psychiatric crisis-intervention programs dedicated to providing recovery-focused assessment, stabilization, psychosocial groups, and peer support. They represent an innovative and highly personalized response for individuals experiencing a crisis related to mental illness, substance abuse, or the hardships associated with difficult economic periods. Instead of seeking help at an emergency room or facing inpatient hospitalization, those in crisis can turn to CRCs as a 24/7 alternative located within the community.
These centers are designed to offer timely and compassionate access to mental health care, making use of trauma-informed approaches to ensure care is sensitive to each individual’s experiences. The CRCs implement evidence-based methods and use telehealth and telepsychiatry services to broaden accessibility and enhance the continuum of care. Individuals can participate in psychosocial groups and peer support, which are integral to the CRCs’ model of service. The environment provided is intended to be home-like, helping guests feel safe and supported during moments of acute distress.
A critical element of the CRCs is their commitment to holistic care. Guests at the centers, such as the Crisis Resource Center-South, Crisis Resource Center-West, and Crisis Resource Center Waukesha County, have access not only to behavioral health services but also to primary health care and ancillary services. These include support related to housing, personal care, employment, and benefits coordination, addressing a wide range of needs that often accompany mental health crises. The centers also emphasize recovery-focused assessments and ensure that follow-up care is provided as individuals move past their immediate crises.
The Centers for Independence operates the Crisis Resource Centers with a strong emphasis on providing all necessary behavioral health services for adults managing mental illness, addiction, or chronic health conditions. Their work has been recognized for leadership and commitment within the field of behavioral health, reflecting the positive impact they strive to create in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Through dedicated staff, trauma-informed practices, and a comprehensive suite of services, the CRCs aim to foster recovery and resilience at every step of a person’s journey through crisis.