Crisis Services Webinar: Effectiveness, Cost-Savings, and Funding

	Crisis Services for Emergencies Webinar Effectiveness, Cost-Savings, and Funding Strategies Wednesday, May 28, 2014 | 1–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time Crisis services for behavioral health emergencies have the potential for significant cost-savings by reducing inpatient hospital time and emergency department use, and encouraging more appropriate use of community-based behavioral health services. Traditionally, individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis are initially treated in a general hospital emergency department, or admitted to a hospital and then receive limited outpatient treatment. This approach has not been cost-effective or consistent with clinical best practices. As a result, several states have developed a continuum of crisis intervention services to provide less expensive, community-based alternatives. Research based on the effectiveness of crisis services is growing. States now have experience using different payment mechanisms to support a comprehensive crisis system. This SAMHSA-sponsored webinar will provide an overview of the evidence base on clinical and cost-effectiveness of different types of crisis services, as detailed in a new report from Truven Health Analytics and SAMHSA. State officials from Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin will then share strategies used to coordinate, consolidate, and braid funding services in order to provide a full continuum of services to individuals in crisis. Speakers: Joyce Allen, Director of the Bureau of Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Jane Beyer, Assistant Secretary for Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health and Service Integration Administration, Washington Julie Seibert, Research Leader, Truven Health Analytics Mary Shelton, Director of Behavioral Health Operations, Bureau of TennCare