Depending on the severity of a person's mental health crisis, there are several places people can seek help.
In Cuyahoga County, health officials are working to open four new spaces under the same roof by 2025. The new facility will include a “living room,” a crisis stabilization center, an emergency psychiatric unit, and possibly a detox center.
Until then, deciding where to go or where to take your loved one for care can be confusing. Therefore, we categorized the services provided by each type of care.
crisis stabilization center
The Crisis Stabilization Center provides short-term observation for people experiencing a mental crisis in a comfortable clinical space. Those in crisis can stay for up to 24 hours, giving them time to relax and receive care from behavioral health professionals.
These centers often serve people who need emergency treatment for mental health issues, substance use disorders, or both.
FrontLine Service, located at 1744 Payne Ave., provides crisis stabilization services for adults. Applewood Centers Inc. and Bellefaire JCB in Cuyahoga and Loran Counties provide crisis stabilization care for children and youth.
mental health support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, stressed, or in need of emergency mental health or substance use services, here is a list of agencies that can provide support.
- 24-hour national suicide prevention lifeline: 988
- Frontline Services: 24-hour crisis hotline 216-623-6888
- ADAMHS Board of Directors' 24-hour Mental Health/Addiction Crisis Information and Referral Hotline: 216-623-6888
- United Way 2-1-1
- Crisis text line: Text “4Hope” to 741741
- 24-hour warm line: 440-886-5950 (peer supporters will listen to your story and talk to get you through a tough day)
- Ohio MHAS Emotional Support Care Line: 800-720-9616
Psychiatric emergency department
Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) provides emergency care and management in hospitals and medical settings by a variety of behavioral health professionals. The goal of many PES departments is to make sure individuals are safe and help them return to their homes and communities.
Most PES programs accept patients 24 hours a day, either directly from the police or ambulance, or by self-check-in. Some units may also have mobile crisis teams on-site, in addition to clinics, to ensure prompt follow-up appointments for discharged patients.
Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth System, and University Hospitals provide 24-hour inpatient psychiatric emergency services. St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center also operates a psychiatric emergency department at 2351 E. 22nd St. in the Central District.
detox center
Detox centers are often the first step for people seeking treatment for substance use addiction.
People who are intoxicated, whether they are using alcohol or drugs, undergo detoxification. People experiencing withdrawal symptoms will be monitored and supported to withdraw safely. A medical professional may prescribe medication to the person to ease withdrawal symptoms.
The patient then meets with a medical professional to develop a treatment plan. Detox centers often also provide mental health care, as people who experience alcohol or drug addiction often also experience mental illness. While people learn not to become addicted to substances, they are also taught new ways to cope with stress and mental illness.
In Cleveland, those seeking detox services or addiction recovery can call or visit Stella Maris in the Flats.
Cuyahoga County Diversion Center also offers detox services. County officials are considering moving those services to a new behavioral health center in 2025.
living room
The living room model is a new concept for mental health care. Designed to achieve the look and feel of your living room at home. There is a sofa, a table, a bookshelf, and a small room for those who need some alone time. People can speak informally to a therapist, counselor, or someone trained and experienced to provide support.
Anyone experiencing panic attacks, depression, or simply wanting to connect with services in the community can use this space. You can also stop by if you need a place to rest, recuperate, or need a place to contact your doctor for prescription refills.
The aim is to help people get the care they need early on and in a comfortable environment, avoiding the need for emergency psychiatric visits.
Medical officials Signal Cleveland spoke to were unaware of Living Room currently operating in Cleveland. But the plan calls for new facilities to have it.
In-state services
For more information about services available in other Ohio counties, visit the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Crisis Services Dashboard.
