Crisis Intervention Services in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

When life feels unsafe or out of control, you may need help right away. Crisis Intervention Services in Michigan are short-term, focused supports to help you stay safe, calm your body and mind, and make a clear plan for the next steps. This care is for teens and adults who are dealing with strong distress, thoughts of self-harm, panic, trauma reactions, or sudden major life events. You do not have to “wait until it gets worse” to reach out—getting support early can protect your health and your future.

Signs You Might Benefit

A crisis does not always look the same for everyone. You might be “functioning” at school or work but still feel like you are falling apart inside. Crisis intervention can help when your usual coping skills are not enough.

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or feeling like you cannot stay safe
• Feeling trapped, hopeless, or overwhelmed most days
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks that feel scary or hard to stop
• Sudden mood changes, intense anger, or feeling “out of control”
• Trauma symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, or feeling on edge
• After a major loss or shock (death, breakup, assault, job loss, eviction)
• Substance use that increases quickly or is used to numb painful feelings
• Not sleeping or not eating for days, or feeling unable to care for yourself
• Family conflict that is escalating and feels unsafe

How crisis intervention can help:

• Reduce immediate danger with a clear safety plan
• Help you feel grounded and steady in your body
• Support you in making choices when your mind feels flooded
• Connect you to the right next level of care (therapy, psychiatry, higher care if needed)
• Build short, practical coping tools you can use the same day

Evidence-Based Approach

Good crisis care is both warm and structured. Our approach uses evidence-based tools that are recommended by leading health sources and clinical research. The goal is to lower risk, reduce distress, and help you regain a sense of control. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that evidence-based mental health care treatments can reduce symptoms and improve daily function when matched to a person’s needs (NIH, n.d.). We also use suicide prevention practices that align with strong research and clinical guidelines (American Psychological Association [APA], n.d.).

Core components we may use

• Risk and safety assessment: We ask clear questions about safety, self-harm, suicide risk, and protective factors. This is not to judge you—it is to help keep you alive and supported.
• Safety Planning Intervention (SPI): A step-by-step plan for warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people, and crisis resources. Safety planning is a widely used, research-informed practice.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills: Simple tools to slow racing thoughts, challenge hopeless thinking, and build problem-solving.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: Skills for intense emotions, distress tolerance, and “getting through the next hour safely.”
• Trauma-informed stabilization: Grounding, pacing, and nervous-system calming skills. We do not push deep trauma work in an active crisis.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Support for mixed feelings, including changes related to substance use, medication, or higher levels of care.
• Care coordination: With your permission, we can coordinate with your primary care provider, psychiatrist, school supports, or trusted family members.

Michigan licensing standards and clinical quality

In Michigan, licensed mental health clinicians must meet education, training, and ethical standards set by the state licensing board (for example, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Master’s Social Workers, and Licensed Psychologists). Our crisis work follows these standards, including privacy rules, documentation, and clinical decision-making. If we believe you need a higher level of care (like a hospital evaluation), we will tell you clearly and help you take the next step.

What to Expect

When you are in crisis, you need care that is easy to understand and fast to start. Crisis intervention is designed to be short-term and focused. Sessions may happen more than once in a week at first, depending on safety and needs.

Step 1: Same-day or rapid intake (when available)

We start by listening. You can share what happened, what you are feeling, and what you need right now. We will ask about safety, supports, medical issues, substance use, and past treatment. If you have a trusted person with you, we can include them if you want.

Step 2: Safety and stabilization plan

Together we create a plan for the next 24–72 hours. This may include coping skills, removing or securing lethal means, identifying safe places, and choosing who to contact if symptoms spike. If risk is high, we will guide you to emergency services.

Step 3: Short-term skills and problem-solving

We focus on what will help the most right now: sleep, eating, routine, and calming skills. We also work on one or two urgent problems (like school stress, family conflict, grief, or a trauma trigger). You will leave sessions with clear steps to try, not just “talk therapy.”

Step 4: Next steps and follow-up care

Crisis care is often the bridge to ongoing healing. Before you finish, we help you set up the right next level of support. This might include weekly therapy, psychiatry, group therapy, substance use treatment, or community resources.

If you are in immediate danger: Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in Michigan, you can also contact your local Community Mental Health (CMH) crisis line for urgent support.

Insurance

Many crisis intervention visits are covered by insurance, but coverage can vary by plan. We can help you understand benefits before you start, including what you may owe at each visit.

Common costs to ask about

• Copay: A set amount you pay per visit (for example, $20–$60).
• Deductible: The amount you pay before your plan starts to pay more.
• Coinsurance: A percentage you may pay after the deductible (for example, 10–30%).
• Out-of-pocket maximum: A yearly cap after which the plan covers more costs.

Mental health parity

Many health plans must follow mental health parity rules, meaning mental health benefits should be comparable to medical benefits. This can affect visit limits, prior authorizations, and cost-sharing. If your plan is denying needed crisis care, we can provide documentation and help you understand appeal options.

Note: Coverage also depends on diagnosis, medical necessity, network status, and the type of visit (in-person vs. telehealth). We will explain your options in plain language.

FAQ

Is crisis intervention the same as inpatient hospital care?

No. Crisis intervention is outpatient support meant to lower risk and stabilize symptoms. If you cannot stay safe or need 24/7 monitoring, inpatient or emergency care may be needed. We will help you decide the safest option based on current risk and supports.

Can I use Crisis Intervention Services in Michigan for my teen?

Yes, crisis services can support teens and families. We may include parent or caregiver sessions to improve safety at home and reduce conflict. Consent and privacy rules can vary by age and situation, and we will explain what applies to your family.

What happens if I tell you I’m thinking about suicide?

You will not get in trouble for telling the truth. We will ask more questions to understand risk, then build a safety plan with you. If we believe you are in immediate danger, we may need to involve emergency supports to protect your life. Our goal is safety, respect, and clear steps.

How quickly will I start feeling better?

Many people feel some relief after the first one or two visits because they have a plan and support. Healing can still take time, especially after trauma, loss, or long-term depression. We focus on quick stabilization now and then help you connect to ongoing care for lasting change.

References: American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Suicide prevention resources and clinical guidance. https://www.apa.org/ (accessed 2026). National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Mental health information and evidence-based treatment overviews. https://www.nih.gov/ (accessed 2026).