News
Current Category : Articles : News : Press Releases :
Telecare Opens New Crisis Program in Victorville, CA
September 14, 2007
NEW 24-7 WALK-IN CRISIS CENTER IMPROVES AVAILABILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO HIGH DESERT RESIDENTS
Convenient Access and Recovery-based Approach Will Generate Savings
Program Phone #: 760-245-8837
ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept 12, 2007 -- Telecare Corporation and the County of San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health announced today the opening of the High Desert Crisis Walk In Center (High Desert CWIC), 16460 Victor St. Victorville, CA.
The 10-chair, unlocked, walk-in crisis center will offer immediate mental health crisis support for children, adolescents and adults. The High Desert CWIC will provide comprehensive assessments, treatment, and referrals to other community resources as appropriate. Crisis stabilization services can last up to 24 hours. Individuals who require additional support beyond 24 hours will be referred to other community behavioral health resources.
"This new facility will be open 24-7 to provide services to high desert residents who previously had to drive out of the area for mental health crisis intervention," said First District County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt who represents the High Desert area.
In addition to self-referrals (walk-in), individuals can be referred to this voluntary treatment program by local law enforcement agencies, homeless shelters, faith based providers, schools, emergency departments or other health care providers.
"The High Desert Crisis Walk In Center is another important piece of a comprehensive integrated crisis and acute care behavioral health program that we are putting into place," according to Allan Rawland, director of the Department of Behavioral Health for the County of San Bernardino. "This program assures that we are there when residents need urgent support."
According to Rawland, the center will not only provide high quality services, but also generate financial and resource savings through reduced use of emergency rooms, fewer hospitalizations and greater capacity to care for individuals in their own community.
"When grief, stress, anxiety or fear make a person feel as though they can't cope, it's vital that a community offer resources to help these individuals manage the crisis, avoid unnecessary hospitalization, and get back to their lives," says Tara Booth, project administrator for Telecare. "The 24/7 availability of professionals at the High Desert CWIC is an important step in the County's work to provide the community with a full range of behavioral health services that focus not only on prevention, but also on recovery and empowerment."
Telecare also has managed a successful assertive community treatment (ACT) program for the county since 2003. That program was recognized by the National Association of Counties (NaCO) in 2006 for outstanding innovation.
Telecare, based in Alameda, California, is one of the largest providers of mental health services in the country. Telecare works in partnership with local, county, state and other behavioral healthcare organizations to design and provide recovery-focused services for high-risk individuals. Telecare is employee-and-family-owned with over 2000 employees and more than 60 programs in California, Texas, Oregon, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
Program Phone #: 760-245-8837
# # #
