Region Five

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Region Five and Crisis Care

Who can use Region Five crisis services?

Our services are available to anyone in the Region Five area experiencing a behavioral health emergency, regardless of age, background, or insurance status. Whether you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, a substance use crisis, or extreme emotional distress, our doors and phone lines are open to you.

Is there a cost for using the 988 or local crisis lines?

No. Calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or our local Region Five Crisis Line at (757) 656-7755 is completely free. We believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of life-saving support, and our Crisis Receiving Centers (CRCs) also provide assessment and stabilization regardless of your ability to pay.

Will the police show up if I call the crisis line?

Not necessarily. Our initiative aims to shift the paradigm so that mental health professionals, not law enforcement, are the primary responders to behavioral health emergencies. While police may be involved if there is an immediate safety risk to you or others, our goal is to dispatch Mobile Crisis Teams consisting of clinicians and peers whenever possible to provide a health-focused response.

Can I call for someone else, like a friend or family member?

Yes. We encourage concerned friends, family members, and caregivers to call if they believe someone they love is in crisis. Our clinicians can provide guidance on how to support that person, help de-escalate the situation over the phone, or determine if a Mobile Crisis Team should be dispatched to their location.

What is the difference between a CSB and a Crisis Receiving Center (CRC)?

A Community Services Board (CSB) is your local “hub” for ongoing, long-term care like outpatient therapy, case management, and psychiatric services. A Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) is a specialized, 23-hour facility designed specifically for high-acuity, immediate emergencies. Think of the CSB as your primary care office and the CRC as a specialized urgent care or emergency room for mental health.

What should I bring if I need to visit a Crisis Receiving Center?

You only need yourself. However, if possible, it is helpful to bring a list of any current medications, your ID, and contact information for your current doctor or therapist. If you have a Crisis Education and Prevention Plan (CEPP) or a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), please bring those as well so our team can follow your preferred care steps.

Do you offer help for people who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Yes. We provide culturally and linguistically accessible mental health counseling specifically for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind. Our Regional Deaf Services Counselor ensures that communication barriers do not prevent anyone from receiving high-quality mental health care.

Is there support specifically for Veterans and their families?

Absolutely. Our SMVF (Service Members, Veterans, and Families) program provides specialized support tailored to the unique experiences of the military community. We work to connect Veterans with peer support and resources that understand the transition from military to civilian life.

What support is available for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Our Gero Community Stabilization Program provides behavior support and care coordination for residents aged 65+ who are living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or serious mental illness. We focus on helping seniors stay safe and supported within their own communities.

Are You In Crisis?

Help starts here - hope starts now. If you are having suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis call Region Five's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at (757) 656-7755 or click here to learn about the Crisis Continuum of Care.

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