HHS Releases New National Guidelines For Improving Youth Mental Health Crisis Care

On November 10, 2022, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released new national guidelines for improving mental health crisis response services for children, youth, and families.

SAMHSA’s guidelines recommend that youth in crisis from mental health and substance use disorders receive care in the least restrictive setting possible, and if it is safe, at home and in the community. Whenever possible, hospitalizations and justice system involvement should be safely reduced or prevented. According to SAMHSA’s recommendations, crisis response systems should partner with agencies across . . .