Emergency Psychiatric Services in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Emergency Psychiatric Services in Michigan are urgent mental health services for people who feel unsafe, out of control, or unable to cope right now. These services are for adults, teens, and families who need fast help with severe anxiety, depression, panic, psychosis, or thoughts of self-harm. If you are scared you might hurt yourself or someone else, you are not alone—and you deserve quick, kind care. Our goal is to help you feel safer, calmer, and supported, then connect you to the right next steps.

Signs You Might Benefit

Emergency psychiatric care is for “right now” moments. You do not have to wait until things get worse. If any of these signs fit you, it may be time to reach out.

• Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were not alive
• Thoughts of self-harm (cutting, burning, or other injury)
• Feeling out of control with anger or fear
• Hearing or seeing things others do not (hallucinations)
• Strong beliefs that feel real but others say are not true (delusions)
• Panic attacks that feel like you cannot breathe or might die
• Severe depression with no energy, no hope, or trouble getting out of bed
• Mania (very little sleep, racing thoughts, risky choices, very high energy)
• Substance use crisis with unsafe behavior or withdrawal concerns
• Trauma reactions like flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling “not in your body”
• Sudden major life stress (loss, breakup, assault, eviction) and you feel you can’t cope

How Emergency Psychiatric Services Can Help

• Fast support: talk to a mental health professional quickly
• Safety planning: a clear plan for the next hours and days
• Symptom relief: help you calm your body and mind
• Medication evaluation: when appropriate, to reduce severe symptoms
• Care coordination: referrals to outpatient therapy, psychiatry, or higher levels of care
• Family support: guidance for loved ones who want to help

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 support in the U.S.

Evidence-Based Approach

In a crisis, you need care that is calm, clear, and based on science. Our clinicians use evidence-based tools to assess risk, reduce distress, and support safe decisions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that mental health crises can be serious and treatable, and early help can reduce harm and improve recovery. We also follow standards supported by the American Psychological Association (APA), which emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Clinical Assessment and Safety

We start with a structured assessment to understand what is happening and how urgent it is. This includes:

• Suicide and self-harm risk screening
• Assessment of violence risk when needed
• Review of current medications, substances, sleep, and medical history
• Workup for symptoms like psychosis, mania, severe anxiety, or trauma responses

We use this information to decide the safest level of care. That may include outpatient care with a safety plan, urgent follow-up, crisis stabilization, or referral to an emergency department if medical monitoring is needed.

Therapy Skills Used in Crisis Care

• CBT-informed coping skills: helps challenge scary thoughts and reduce panic
• DBT-informed crisis skills: tools for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and staying safe
• Trauma-informed care: helps you feel respected, not judged, and in control of choices
• Motivational interviewing: supportive talk for substance use or ambivalence about treatment

Medication Support (When Clinically Appropriate)

Some emergencies include symptoms where medication may help quickly, like severe agitation, insomnia, mania, or psychosis. If medication is used, we explain:

• What the medication is for
• Common side effects and safety risks
• How soon it may work
• What follow-up is required

Medication decisions are made carefully and based on your symptoms, history, and safety needs.

Michigan Licensing and Quality Standards

Emergency psychiatric care should be delivered by properly trained, credentialed professionals. In Michigan, mental health providers must meet state licensing requirements (for example, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Physicians/Psychiatrists, depending on role). We prioritize care that is ethical, confidential, and aligned with Michigan standards for licensed practice and clinical documentation.

What to Expect

When you are in crisis, it helps to know what will happen next. We keep steps simple and clear.

Step 1: Immediate Triage

We ask short questions to understand urgency. If there is high risk (like a current plan to self-harm, or you cannot stay safe), we help you get crisis stabilization or emergency medical care right away. If you are safe enough for outpatient crisis care, we move to a full assessment.

Step 2: Comprehensive Crisis Assessment

In the first visit, we focus on what is happening today, what changed, and what support you have. We may ask about:

• Current thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others
• Recent losses, trauma, or conflict
• Sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration
• Alcohol or drug use
• Past hospitalizations, past suicide attempts, or past treatment
• Protective factors (kids, pets, faith, goals, supportive people)

Step 3: A Clear Plan Before You Leave

You should leave with a plan you can understand and follow. This often includes:

• A personalized safety plan (warning signs, coping steps, people to call, places to go)
• Means-safety steps (reducing access to items that could be used for self-harm)
• Follow-up appointments (therapy and/or psychiatry)
• Referrals to higher levels of care if needed (IOP, PHP, inpatient, crisis residential)
• Support instructions for family or trusted friends (with your permission)

Session Length, Setting, and Privacy

Crisis visits are often 45–90 minutes, depending on severity and complexity. We can provide care in person or via telehealth when clinically appropriate and safe. We protect your privacy, and we will explain limits of confidentiality. For example, if there is an immediate risk of serious harm, we may need to involve emergency services to keep you safe.

Insurance

Many emergency psychiatric evaluations and crisis therapy visits are covered by insurance, but your cost depends on your plan. Common cost factors include copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Copays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance

• Copay: a fixed amount you pay per visit (for example, $25–$75)
• Deductible: the amount you pay before your plan pays more (can reset yearly)
• Coinsurance: a percentage you pay after the deductible (for example, 10%–30%)

Mental Health Parity

“Parity” laws generally require many health plans to cover mental health care in a way that is comparable to medical care. This can impact visit limits, prior authorization rules, and out-of-pocket costs. Coverage varies by plan, so we encourage you to confirm benefits. If you want, our team can help you understand key questions to ask your insurer.

What We Can Provide for Insurance Help

• Billing codes and documentation support when allowed
• Superbills for out-of-network reimbursement (if applicable)
• Clear estimates when possible (not a guarantee of coverage)

FAQ

Is this the same as going to the ER?

Not always. Emergency Psychiatric Services may include urgent outpatient crisis assessment and short-term stabilization. If you have a medical emergency, severe withdrawal, or you cannot stay safe, the ER may be the safest place because they can provide 24/7 monitoring and medical tests. We will help guide you to the right level of care.

What if I’m not sure I’m “bad enough” to get help?

If you are asking that question, it is okay to reach out. Crises can grow quickly. Getting support early can reduce suffering and help prevent hospitalization. You do not need to “prove” you deserve care.

Can you help my teen or my family member?

Yes. We can assess teens and support families, including safety planning and coaching for caregivers. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911, go to the nearest ER, or contact 988 for guidance. We also help families understand next steps and local resources in Michigan.

Will you hospitalize me if I share suicidal thoughts?

Sharing thoughts does not automatically mean hospitalization. We look at the full picture, like intent, plan, access to means, past history, and protective supports. If you can stay safe with a strong safety plan and close follow-up, outpatient care may be appropriate. If safety cannot be maintained, a higher level of care may be recommended to protect your life.