Mental Health Crisis Response Workforce Training and Development Initiative
In 2021, the efforts of the Center for Evidence to Practice expanded to include the Louisiana Mental Health Crisis Response Workforce Training and Development initiative. The Center, through its partnership with OBH, coordinates and delivers training to crisis providers who implement and render services under the Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS). The mission of this system is to execute a modern, innovative, and coordinated statewide crisis system that builds upon the existing needs, strengths and resources of Louisiana’s Medicaid-serviced individuals and communities. This system includes call center(s), mobile crisis response, community brief crisis support, behavioral health crisis centers, and crisis stabilization providers.
Since existing emergency services oftentimes are not equipped to perform behavioral health work, the Louisiana Crisis Response System aims to provide access to rapid, coordinated care and reduce barriers community members face when trying to access services during a mental health crisis.
Workforce Training and Development
The Center applies a modern, innovative workforce approach that focuses on skills and follow-up support. Center staff, national and regional experts, and peers from the Louisiana Peer Advocacy and Action Coalition (LaPAAC) developed a training curriculum, and training is implemented via asynchronous and synchronous training modules. The Center uses its online platform, E2PLearn, to deliver the asynchronous training, training materials and resources and training post-tests.
What is the Louisiana Crisis Response System?
The Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS) is a modern, innovative, and coordinated statewide crisis response system that builds upon the unique and varied strengths, resources, and needs of Louisiana’s individual communities. The LA-CRS utilizes person-centered approaches built on recovery and resilience; provides access to a continuum of services; and aims to divert from institutional levels of care. The system currently serves adults 21 years or older insured by Medicaid. For more information, check out the LDH-OBH website here.
*Note: The Center will not be providing these services but will be working with behavioral health care providers to get them trained in providing care for individuals experiencing crisis.
Services Rendered by the Louisiana Crisis Response System:
Once the infrastructure is set in place, the Crisis System of Care will aim to provide:
- Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCR)
- Community Brief Crisis Support (CBCS)
- Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers (BHCCC)
- Crisis Stabilization Providers(CS)
OBH is exploring the integration with the upcoming nationwide 988 system. 988 will be a direct line to trained counselors that will allow millions of Americans to access the help they need. When you have a police, fire, or rescue emergency, you call 911. When you have an urgent mental health need, you’ll be able to call 988 when the number goes into effect in Louisiana in the future.