New Oregon Guide Helps Families Navigate Youth Behavioral Health Emergencies

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon families facing a child or teenager’s behavioral health crisis now have a new resource designed to make an already difficult trip to the emergency room a little easier to navigate.

The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Family Support Network have launched the free online Crisis to Care Guide, which provides parents and caregivers with information about what to expect before, during and after a behavioral health-related emergency department visit.

The guide focuses on the questions families may suddenly find themselves asking during a crisis: What happens once we arrive at the hospital? What information should I provide? What questions should I ask? What happens when my child is ready to leave?

Rather than being written solely from a clinical perspective, the resource was developed with input from parents, caregivers and young people who have gone through behavioral health emergencies themselves. Health care professionals, behavioral health providers and community organizations from around Oregon also contributed.

Among the topics covered are recognizing when a situation may require emergency care, preparing for an emergency room visit, understanding the evaluation and treatment process and communicating with providers. Families can also find guidance on questions to ask before discharge, developing a safety plan for returning home and connecting with ongoing services.

The Crisis to Care website also includes information about patient rights, confidentiality, referrals to other levels of care, safety precautions at home and school and what families can do if they are dissatisfied with the services their child receives.

Another portion of the site is specifically geared toward parents and caregivers themselves, including access to peer support through Reach Out Oregon. The organization operates a Parent Warmline that connects families with trained parents who have experience navigating similar challenges.

OHA said the resource can also be used by hospitals, pediatricians, schools, behavioral health providers, mobile crisis teams and community organizations working with children and families. Health care providers are being encouraged to make families aware of the guide during a crisis and before a patient leaves the hospital.

Printed versions of the guide are also available by contacting Oregon Family Support Network at admins@ofsn.net. Additional information about behavioral health programs and services is available through the Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health Division