What is Crisis Triage & Stabilization?
Compass Health Crisis Triage utilizes a recovery model to assist those in behavioral health crises to access services and to support and resume typical levels of functioning. Multi-disciplinary teams of Peer Counselors, Mental Health Technicians, Clinicians, Nurses, and Psychiatric providers work together to address each individual’s needs.
Who does Crisis Triage & Stabilization serve?
Whatcom County Triage Center
Housed in the Anne Deacon Center for Hope in Bellingham, Compass Health’s Crisis Triage can accommodate up to 16 individuals at once who are experiencing a mental health crisis. We provide crisis stabilization, safety planning, and referrals for ongoing care. Individuals may self-refer or be referred by a community partner such as a behavioral health provider, hospital social worker, or medical provider. The facility can also accept drop-offs from law enforcement and emergency medical technicians as a diversion alternative to jail or the emergency room. Compass Health’s Crisis Triage is co-located in the Anne Deacon Center with a detox facility operated by Pioneer Services. Individuals needing non-medical sobering support should contact Pioneer Services.
Marc Crisis & Stabilization Unit
Located at the Marc Healing Center in Everett, Compass Health’s Snohomish County Crisis Triage Center serves adults (18+) experiencing a mental health crisis and can accommodate up to 16 individuals at a time. The center provides immediate assessment, short-term stabilization, safety planning, medication management, and referrals for ongoing care. Individuals may self-refer or be referred by community partners such as behavioral health providers, hospitals, law enforcement, or emergency medical technicians. The facility accepts walk-ins and first responder drop-offs as a diversion alternative to jail or emergency rooms. Services are available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Approach to care
Triage is a voluntary program for individuals in crisis who need the additional support of 24/7 staffing to manage their safety and stability. Lengths of stay at Triage can vary from hours to several days and is dependent on the details of any given crisis episode. During their stay, individuals are assessed by both a mental health professional and a nurse. Individually tailored care plans are developed to help the individual meet their unique needs.
Goals of Crisis Triage & Stabilization
Triage provides a vital component of the continuum of care for individuals experiencing a behavioral health disorder. The goals of Triage are to ensure ready access in a crisis to a supportive, stable environment fully staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals; to reduce the need for individuals to go to emergency departments for care; to create alternatives to jail for individuals whose disruptive behavior may be the result of their behavioral health condition; and to create a step-down option for individuals transitioning back to the community from a higher level of care such as a psychiatric hospitalization.