What to Do in a Mental Health Emergency: Finding Immediate Help and the Best Inpatient Mental Health Crisis Center

A mental health emergency can be as critical as any medical emergency. Recognizing the signs early and knowing where to find immediate help can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Gain the knowledge to help someone in a mental health emergency. This article can help you:

  • Identify mental health crisis symptoms
  • Understand what to do if you or someone you know is in crisis
  • Find the best inpatient mental health services

Understanding Mental Health Crisis Symptoms

A mental health crisis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It often involves a sudden and intense disruption in emotional or psychological well-being. Recognizing these symptoms early is critical in managing the crisis promptly.

Common mental health crisis symptoms include:

  • Extreme mood swings or uncontrolled emotions
  • Paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions
  • Inability to perform daily tasks
  • Expressing thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
  • Severe panic or anxiety attacks

First Steps During a Mental Health Crisis

Crisis intervention plays a key role in safely managing the situation until professional help is obtained. If you suspect that someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following actions are necessary:

  1. Ensure Safety. Remove any potential dangers and stay in a safe environment.
  2. Stay Calm. Approach the person calmly, compassionately, and without judgment.
  3. Seek Immediate Help. Contact a mental health crisis hotline or seek medical attention if the situation escalates.

Finding a Mental Health Crisis Center Near You

At the Lindner Center of HOPE, we specialize in inpatient mental health services, including psychiatric inpatient hospitalization. This involves staying in a hospital or facility to get comprehensive psychiatric treatment.

Following a diagnostic evaluation, treatment specific to the needs of the patient focuses on quickly resolving serious and life-threatening symptoms. Stays can range from overnight to two or more weeks, with a goal of releasing a patient to a step-down level of care. A patient admitted to an inpatient setting might be in the acute phase of a mental illness and need help around the clock.

The inpatient option is recommended for individuals who:

  • Pose a danger to themselves or others
  • Cannot be safely treated in a less restrictive environment
  • Require stabilization of medication under close supervision

Inpatient behavioral health facilities provide specialized care including:

  • Medical evaluation and monitoring
  • Medication management
  • Group therapy and support

Choosing a facility should be based on the quality of care, the availability of necessary services, and the patient’s specific treatment needs.

Learn more about the importance of mental health treatment.

Lindner Center of HOPE’s Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

Inpatient psychiatric facilities focus on intense clinical treatment and stabilization. Our Inpatient psychiatric facilities in Cincinnati are equipped to handle severe cases of mental health disorders and are staffed with specialists who offer:

  • Emergency psychiatric services
  • Crisis intervention and stabilization techniques
  • Therapeutic care environment

While we don’t operate a crisis hotline, we do have staff available to talk about admissions:

  • To contact our adult inpatient team, call 513-536-4673.
  • For admissions to the Cincinnati Children’s Unit, call 513-636-4124.

You can learn more about what some of our patients have to say on our reviews page. Or listen to some Stories of HOPE, the success stories of our patients.

Finding the Best Inpatient Care Nearby

We want you to find the best care for you. Selecting the right inpatient care involves:

  • Researching facilities through online reviews and testimonials
  • Consulting healthcare professionals for recommendations
  • Considering the types of therapies offered and the facility’s environment

How to Help Someone in a Mental Health Crisis

Supporting someone in a crisis involves:

  • Listening without insisting on advice or passing judgment
  • Encouraging professional help and offering to accompany them to appointments
  • Remaining supportive through their treatment journey

Long-Term Mental Health Support and Crisis Prevention

Long-term management of mental health includes:

  • Regular follow-ups with mental health professionals
  • Engaging in community support groups
  • Developing a wellness plan that includes strategies for managing stress and triggers

In a mental health emergency, quick and informed action is critical. By understanding the signs of a crisis, knowing what steps to take, and where to find the best possible care, you can help navigate these challenging situations with confidence and compassion.

There is HOPE

If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Dial 911 for emergencies.

If you want to contact the Lindner Center of HOPE inpatient team to discuss admission, call 513-536-4673 or contact us online.

You can also contact the National Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or dial 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate attention that doesn’t require emergency services.