What does 988 mean for Early Psychosis Programs?

Monica Luke

Abstract

This poster session will describe the main components of a fully implemented 988 behavioral health response system as envisioned by Congress with input and guidance from Crisis Now and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD). The implementation is being driven nationwide with deep readiness and financial support from SAMHSA.

Background: 988 is a new three digit number replacing the 1-800-CALL2TALK suicide prevention lifeline starting on July 16, 2022. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is designed with a three-pillar approach: • Someone to Call – 24x7x365 access to trained crisis counselors • Someone to Respond – Mobile Crisis Teams with clinicians and peer support specialists • Safe Place to Go – Crisis Stabilization Units, Peer respite and other community based supports preferred over hospitalization

Conclusion: This poster session will outline the opportunity presented by the 988 Lifeline to improve access to Coordinated Specialty Care as early as possible during, or immediately after, a first episode of psychosis. By creating strong linkages with both the crisis call center and the mobile crisis teams, we can ensure early referral for an evaluation for CSC during a first episode event.

About Monica Luke: Monica Luke is a mental health advocate and founder of The Living Assistance Fund (LAF) focusing on financial barriers to accessing mental health care. Activities include legislative advocacy, parity enforcement and creative approaches to expanding payment models and commercial insurance coverage. Monica has written several articles about the importance of 988, given multiple trainings for NAMI Massachusetts on the topic of 988 and informed several municipalities in the Commonwealth on 988. Monica works closely with an emergency response team in Cambridge, HEART.