Roughly 10 percent of individuals with a developmental disability in California also have a mental health condition, or a dual diagnosis.  These conditions may cause an individual to become sad, upset or confused.  When an individual becomes overwhelmed by these feelings, they may experience a mental health or behavioral crisis.  When there is imminent danger, the support person should follow the agency's procedure and policies related to calling 9-1-1 for assistance from the police or paramedics.  They will determine if the individual needs treatment at a local psychiatric hospital. 

This quarter's newsletter on Preventing Involuntary Psychiatric Admissions expands on the information above with further guidance on warning signs of a psychiatric or behavioral emergency, crisis intervention tips, and examples of stressors.

Read and download the fall 2011 newsletter by clicking the link below. 

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Fall 2011 Newsletter