Community Reach Center’s crisis response approach and community partnerships were the focus of its 2013 Legislative Breakfast held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Noah’s events center in Westminster. More than 120 guests learned how Community Reach Center supports individuals during a time of crisis as well as its efforts to prevent crises via supports and services.
The 7:00 a.m. breakfast was attended by Colorado legislators and local elected officials, including state Rep. Jenice May of District 30, Steve Lebsock of District 34, Cherylin Peniston, of District 35, Thornton Mayor Heidi K. Williams and Adams County District Attorney Dave Young.
Clinical Director Abigail Tucker, Psy.D., shared details and data about Community Reach Center’s many emergency response programs, including its Emergency Services Team, which is available around the clock to help individuals who are in a state of crisis. In Fiscal Year 2013, the Center provided nearly 2,000 crisis assessments and its 24-hour crisis line received an average 336 calls per month. The 24-hour crisis line number is (303) 853-3500.
“A crisis is defined by the individual,” said Tucker. “Our emergency services programs are designed to meet people where they’re at. When someone is experiencing a crisis, we are listening and we are supporting them.”
Tucker also explained the Center’s Crisis Response Team, which is a bridge between an individual’s recent crisis and engagement in clinical programs, and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, which helps police officers respond appropriately and compassionately to an individual experiencing a mental-health crisis. The Center has trained more than 450 officers in CIT since it began the program in 2005, she said.
Clinical Director Stephanie John, MS, LMFT, touted the Center’s partnerships with Adams County school districts, noting it has therapists working in more than 50 primary and secondary schools.
“We are able to be that first line of response for whatever crisis a student may experience,” John said. “We really care about these kids and we want to help them.”
She also mentioned the Center’s free, eight-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes and its new Colorado Spirit Flood Recovery program that gets crisis counselors in touch with those affected by the September floods. For more information about upcoming MHFA classes or the Crisis Counseling program, please visit www.CommunityReachCenter.org.
About Community Reach Center
Founded in 1957, Community Reach Center is a top-tier community mental health provider located in Adams County, Colorado. The Center offers evidence-based behavioral health services for all ages, at five outpatient offices as well as in public schools, community colleges, emergency rooms, physician offices and detention centers. It is a 501[c][3] non-profit organization and the designated mental health provider for individuals eligible for Medicaid in Adams County. Services include individual and group therapy, early childhood and school-based services, substance abuse treatment, emergency services, a post-adjudication program for criminal offenders, psychological testing, residential services, therapeutic support groups, wellness programs, and more. The Center is committed to integrating mental healthcare with primary healthcare in order to support the overall health and recovery of its clients by providing on-site mental health services at primary care offices throughout Adams County. For more information, visit www.CommunityReachCenter.org.