What is a crisis bed?

Crisis beds provide 24/7 intensive mental health and support services that are designed to provide clinical support to an individual in a psychiatric crisis. Crisis beds can be used as an alternative to in-patient hospitalization, when appropriate, or as a step-down from an in-patient psychiatric unit when the individual needs continued clinical support post-discharge. The community crisis bed program is a voluntary, community-based alternative for adults experiencing mental health crises who do not require inpatient hospitalization, but who would benefit from access to temporary placement in a supportive environment. The crisis beds are located at a number of housing providers within most cities. The crisis bed program provides individuals with an opportunity to initiate steps to resolve their crisis through problem solving, symptom stabilization, and links to community supports. It is required that individuals are able to look after their own hygiene and physical needs, be willing to take medications as prescribed and abstain from alcohol and other substances during their stay.