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Crisis Services: Addressing Unique Needs of Diverse Populations

Source: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors

Resource Type: Documents and Publications

Focus Population: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), Immigrant and Migrant Populations, LGBTQIA+ People, Seniors, Older Adults, Youth, Youth of Transition Age

Topics: Criminal or Juvenile Justice System, Crisis Response System, Culturally Specific Strengths and Resilience, Religious or Spiritual Support, Trauma-informed

Although most crisis services treat adults ranging from 18 to 65 years of age, youth and older adults frequently present in crisis settings. Additionally, individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, complex and co-occurring substance use and medical conditions, and other characteristics must also navigate the crisis mental health and substance use system. Racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities experience barriers to mental health and substance use care in crisis settings just as they do in their daily lives. This paper discusses the considerations, challenges, and implications of treating these diverse populations in any of the varied crisis settings. Although each population is discussed in turn, owing to the complexity of such population health perspectives, this paper also considers intersectionality in these diverse populations.