With less than a week until November, the holiday season is lurking just around the corner. For many, November and December are filled with joy, family and relaxation—but that is not the reality for all.

A 2021 NAMI survey found that 3 in 5 Americans believe their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays, reinforcing the need for accessible, high-quality mental health resources. Zepf Center offers several options for youth and adult crisis care to ensure our community members receive the care they deserve where and when they need it. 

At Zepf Center, Crisis Care is an all-encompassing behavioral health care provider. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, clients can rest assured that they will have access to qualified mental health professionals around the clock. Crisis Care is specifically designed to provide hope and recovery for clients who are in a mental health crisis in Lucas County.

Those in need of Crisis Care services have several options when receiving treatment. Commonly, the first step is a phone call to Zepf Center’s Crisis Care Helpline (419.904.2273). A qualified mental health professional can assist over the phone and determine if an in-person screening is necessary.

If an in-person screening is recommended, the client may have the option to visit Zepf Center’s Ashland location or receive a visit from the Mobile Outreach Team. These professionals are available 24/7 to assist during a mental health crisis and can be requested by anyone in the community with a simple phone call.

Once Zepf Center’s team has connected with the person in crisis and assessed the situation, they will make care recommendations. Zepf Center is home to various levels of mental health care, all underscored by a commitment to dignity and respect for all clients. The team of mental health professionals will facilitate the least restrictive level of care possible for the client and create an individualized safety plan to connect the client with necessary services.

Walk-in Psychiatric Urgent Care is also available for youth and adults. This service allows clients to access mental health services and mental health professionals without an appointment. In addition to seeing a mental health professional, clients may be able to receive prescribed medications the same day and schedule follow-up services for continued medication management. Psychiatric Urgent Care services are covered for all counties in the Northwest Ohio Region regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

In addition to these services, Zepf Center also houses a Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) team. MRSS fills a gap in the continuum of crisis care by serving youth up to age 21 and their families. Clients can receive assistance within 60 minutes and may be eligible for up to 45 days of intensive, in-home support.

To access any of these Crisis Care services, simply call the helpline—419.904.CARE (2273).

For more information, visit zepfcenter.org/crisis-care/.