It’s alright to say it. Sometimes we all need a little help. Whether it’s the stresses of everyday life, a traumatic event, substance abuse or even a chemical imbalance, at some point, we all need someone to lean on. And that’s ok. But,what happens to the many in our community who have no one to turn to and no where to go when they have an issue regarding their mental health?

Without proper medication and treatment, a full mental illness can emerge and, when left unchecked, their lives can turn toward one of solitude and crime. Many of these individuals are brought to the Orange County Central Receiving Center, a single point of entry for those in a crisis situation, according to Donna Wyche, manager of Orange County’s Mental Health and Homeless Issues Division.

The CRC was designed as a receiving facility rather than a treatment center for its visitors, or consumers as they are referred to by CRC staff. “When law enforcement comes into contact with an individual who appears to have a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis or need, they are brought here,” says Wyche.

Once at the CRC, consumers receive a comprehensive clinical assessment with the appropriate referral to either inpatient or outpatient treatment. “With an average of a 10 minute drop off rate for law enforcement, the CRC also inadvertently helps the community as a whole by increasing public safety by getting law enforcement back on the street.” says Wyche. Since opening in 2003, the CRC has served more than 29,000 consumers in mental health or substance abuse crisis, approximately 400 a month.

Prior to the CRC, law enforcement officials who came into contact with an individual in need of mental health or abuse treatment, they would be taken to jail or an emergency room. “To date, the CRC has saved over 67,000 jail bed days and diverted over 12,000 from local emergency departments,” says Wyche. “In addition to those that have been diverted from jail and emergency departments, the CRC receives approximately 40 mental health consumers a month discharged from jail and receives indigent mental health consumers daily from the local emergency departments following medical clearance.”

But what about those in need of help who haven’t been detained by law enforcement? Is there a place for residents who may not have the expendable funds to seek out a professional? One option is the Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare facility. Lakeside is a private, non-profit organization that operates a voluntary walk-in crisis center for the community at large attached to the CRC. The center screens an approximate 1,000 additional consumers a month, according to Wyche. “Lakeside provides services on a sliding fee scale,” she says.

Currently for East Orange County residents, if they want help - they have to travel. There are no such facilities on this side of the county. “Resources are scarce throughout many communities; Orange County is no different,” says Wyche. “Those individuals in need  can access treatment - inpatient or outpatient at [Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare].”

However, research and development plans are in place for this side of the county to help supplement the existing community centers, neighborhood centers for families and primary care clinics for the uninsured and under insured, says Wyche.

Article by Corey Gehrold