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Mental Health Crisis Clinic
We know it is overwhelming when your child is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. It can also be difficult for caregivers to know where to start or how to find immediate support that is right for your child. The Mental Health Crisis Clinic (MHCC) at CHOC is here to help kids and families facing a suicidal crisis by providing short-term access to care while awaiting referral to long-term care. It is the first program in Southern California based on a proven outpatient crisis model of care.
Our specialists treat kids and teens experiencing:
- Current or recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Non-suicidal self injury behaviors.
To reach the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741-741 or visit crisistextline.org.
To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 9-8-8 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
About the Mental Health Crisis Clinic
The Mental Health Crisis Clinic (MHCC) serves children and adolescents ages 3 to 18. We provide short-term outpatient crisis intervention services to youth and their families who need temporary services while awaiting a referral to outpatient mental health programs.
Program eligibility
We serve youth who:
- Are age 3 to 18,
- Are experiencing mental health crisis resulting in suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and
- Can be stabilized in an outpatient setting within one to four sessions.
Services provided
- Crisis stabilization
- Coping strategies to maintain safety and promote recovery
- Individual therapy with caregiver involvement
- Immediate, short-term care while families await access to long-term care
- Support with connecting to the level of care needed for your family.
How can we make an appointment?
Any patients, parents or caregivers may call the CHOC Mental Health Crisis Clinic to see if it is a good fit for their situation. Physicians may also refer a patient. The MHCC accepts all insurance. Caregivers can learn more and find out if the MHCC is a good fit for their child by calling the CHOC Psychology Department at 714-509-8481.
What to Expect from the Mental Health Crisis Clinic
When you contact the MHCC, initial next steps may include linking you to mental health services, directing you to an emergency room if there are immediate concerns for your child’s safety or scheduling an appointment with a clinic provider.
The following are what to expect once an MHCC intake appointment is scheduled:
- Initial intake visit. We will do a detailed risk assessment and review of your child’s current challenges to figure out what next steps are recommended. We will also teach your child and family skills to help you get through the crisis.
- Short-term crisis intervention. The number and length of therapy sessions will be decided at the initial intake with your family. Crisis intervention services can range from one to four sessions (including the intake session) based on your family’s needs. Services are focused on the crisis and associated symptoms to promote safety, reduce symptoms and support your child and family as you await access to long-term services.
- Connection to long-term services. Our team will assist your family in linking you to the next step in your child’s mental health recovery. We will provide referrals to recommended levels of care and continue to support you in connections with any referrals already initiated.
