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), Diverse Communities, LGBTQIA+, Seniors, Older Adults, Youth, Transition Age Youth (TAY)
Topics: Behavioral Health Services, Best Practices, Community Defined or Evidence Based Practices, Criminal or Juvenile Justice System, Crisis Continuum of Care, Trauma-Informed Care
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.