Trusted crisis intervention services in Georgia, built on clinical expertise and community support
Immediate, Effective Support and Mental Health Crisis Management
The Urgency of Mental Health Crisis Intervention
Behavioral health needs are rising fast, driven by isolation, economic stress, trauma, and gaps in care.[2] When a mental health crisis happens, stability quickly unravels. Emotions cloud decision-making, families are left searching for answers, and hospitals often struggle to keep up.
These are a few reasons why the correct intervention at the appropriate moment leads to better results, protects patients from negative side effects, and reduces their long-term complications.[3]
What Is Considered a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis is any situation where someone experiences emotional instability or behavioral problems which endanger their own safety, the safety of others, and prevent them from performing daily tasks. Common signs of a mental health crisis may include:[4]
- Suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm
- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, or extreme distress
- Episodes of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions
- Intense mood swings or sudden behavioral changes
- Being unable to take care of basic needs like eating, hygiene, or safety
- Substance use that worsens or complicates psychiatric symptoms
If you or a loved one is experiencing overwhelming distress, loss of control, or disconnection from reality, it’s considered a crisis.[3]
You don’t have to be certain before seeking help—when in doubt, reach out.
Grounded. Immediate. Therapeutic.
Mental health emergencies become more dangerous when help is delayed. That’s why Marietta Springs provides rapid placement with crisis response teams in and around Atlanta.
Here’s how we respond:
Clinical Expertise That Makes a Difference
Our crisis program operates under the leadership of licensed therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists who deliver immediate therapeutic support, diagnostic precision, and peaceful crisis management.
- Our team works with psychiatric facilities across metro Atlanta to ensure safe hospital transfers by handling patient evaluations and administrative tasks and maintaining hospital communication.
- Our organization delivers complete assistance to patients who have substance use disorders alongside other conditions.[5]
- The evaluation process for behavioral health includes assessments of mood and cognition and risk factors to create individualized treatment plans.
- The program works with hospitals, clinics, and behavioral health programs to provide a smooth connection between services.
Our system allows for easy connection with hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and behavioral health programs to support quick placement and get a client the support they need.
Recovery Through Community & Continuity
The crisis stabilization process requires ongoing support after the first response and extended connected care. Our clinic helps clients stay connected with:
- Peer-led recovery communities, support groups, and therapeutic workshops to prevent isolation.
- A post-crisis plan with scheduled check-ins and case management services, which will help patients get connected to outpatient therapy or psychiatric care.
- Evidence-based therapies, along with goal-setting and support for rebuilding social and vocational structures, help clients regain their confidence and sense of control.
Take the First Step Toward Stability
Getting help starts when you take the first step to meet your own needs or when you help someone else.
Marietta Springs works to understand your needs while leading you toward protective and supportive solutions. Don’t wait, call us now to speak with a team member ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a mental health crisis or psychological emergency?
A mental health crisis, sometimes called a psychological or behavioral health emergency, occurs when a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors put themselves or others at risk or prevent them from performing daily tasks. This may include suicidal thoughts, violent urges, extreme agitation, psychosis, or inability to care for basic needs.
How can I help someone in a mental health crisis at home?
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis at home, stay calm, speak in a non‑confrontational manner, remove any potential hazards, and call a mental health hotline or emergency services if safety is at risk. Encourage them to breathe slowly, listen without judgment, and avoid arguing. If the situation escalates, contact 988 or local emergency services immediately.
What steps should I take during a behavioral health emergency?
First, assess whether there is an immediate danger. If so, call 911. Otherwise, contact a crisis hotline (in Georgia, call 988 or local mobile crisis units). Stay with the person, offer reassurance, and avoid force unless absolutely necessary to prevent harm. Have ready details such as medications and recent behaviors to share with responders.
Who do I call for a mental health crisis in Georgia?
If you or a loved one is facing a crisis in Georgia, you can dial 988 for the nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which connects callers with local mental health professionals. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1‑800‑715‑4225 also provides 24/7 phone counseling and can dispatch mobile crisis teams if needed.
What should be included in a mental health crisis plan?
A mental health crisis plan—also called a wellness recovery or crisis management plan—should list warning signs, calming techniques, emergency contacts (family, friends, providers), preferred hospitals or clinics, medications, allergies, and instructions for responders. Share it with trusted loved ones and update it regularly.
Is there a difference between a mental health crisis and a breakdown?
The terms “mental health crisis,” “nervous breakdown,” and “emotional breakdown” are sometimes used interchangeably, but a crisis refers to any situation where behaviors or emotions put a person or others at risk or interfere with essential functioning. A breakdown typically describes an intense period of psychological distress but may not always involve immediate danger. In either case, professional support can help.
Sources & References
[1] Panic disorder: What you need to know. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
[2] World Health Organization. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
[3] Wang, D., & Gupta, V. (2023, April 24). Crisis intervention. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/
[4] Warning signs of mental illness. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2009). Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders: Building your program (DHHS Publication No. SMA-08-4366). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ebp-kit-building-your-program-10112019.pdf
