Planning to Improve the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Continuum
Crisis Care Continuum – Plan (CCC-P)
The California Health and Human Services agency is launching efforts to develop a plan to support connections among prevention efforts like warmlines and peer support services, 9-8-8 suicide and crisis call centers, mobile crisis response, and community-based crisis care at the local level.
Plan Elements:
- Identify the statewide vision for a full continuum of services for individuals experiencing crisis (interactions among 988, 911, mobile crisis response, crisis receiving facilities, short-term crisis residential services, etc.),
- Articulate statewide minimum standards and metrics, and
- Define models and prototypes of how statewide services could be implemented locally, recognizing the need for creative approaches for California’s diverse communities.
The CCC-P is created with input from diverse stakeholders including, but not limited to, state departments, local jurisdictions, providers, consumers, caregivers, and family members, with a particular focus on individuals from underserved communities, communities of color, LGBTQ+, and youth.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Statewide 988 Roll-Out
Starting July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number will transition to an easy-to-remember 3-digit number (988). The 988 Lifeline is an easy to remember so that anyone can call to receive support when experiencing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use related crisis. To reach the 988 Lifeline, people can call or text 988 or chat at Lifeline (988lifeline.org). People who are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support may also use 988 to receive guidance and support.
When Californians dial 988, they will be directed to one of 13 Lifeline crisis call centers. The call will be routed based on the caller’s area code. California’s call centers are part of the broader 988 Lifeline crisis center network. If a local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller is automatically routed to a national backup crisis center.
The 988 Lifeline represents an unprecedented opportunity to design and build a robust behavioral health crisis prevention, response and care system. The CCC-P will provide recommendations on how to seize this moment to invest in California’s future mental health and wellness.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline FAQ
- Relationship between 988 and 911 FAQ
Additional information regarding 988 can be found on SAMHSA’s 988 Website, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
CalHHS Staff Presentations on Crisis Continuum of Care Plan (CCC-P) to Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF)
For more information on California’s 988 Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, visit 988 California.
For more information about 988, visit SAMHSA 988 Resources.
For communication resources and SAMHSA Points of Contact:
- 988 Partner Toolkit
- 988 Messaging Framework
- To Contact SAMHSA for 988 information: 988Team@samhsa.hhs.gov
- How to report on 988: America’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline
