First Step
For HELP
CommCARE provides the first step for help for Missouri residents in crisis.
Master's-level, licensed counselors are online, live, 24 hours a day.
First Step For HELP, CommCARE‘s access crisis intervention system, provides confidential mental health information and 24-hour response services to any Missouri resident who is experiencing an emotional or behavioral crisis.
We are highly trained to make critical initial assessments that help individuals in crisis find appropriate mental health resources. Crisis intervention services are then provided by Community Mental Health Centers throughout the region.
1-888-279-8188
TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE CRISIS LINE
Anyone in CommCARE’s service area of 22 counties in northwestern Missouri can access services free of charge by calling 1-888-279-8188.
For individuals with sight or hearing impairment, services are provided through dialing 711. This service is provided at no charge through relaymissouri.com
ACI services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to children, adolescents, and adults.
TELEPHONE ASSESSMENTS
Counselors work with callers to clarify the problem and to identify the most appropriate community resources to address the crisis situation.
WARM LINE SERVICES
Counselors help to prevent an emotional or behavioral crisis by providing reassurance and support.
TREATMENT SERVICES
Callers are provided with information for accessing mental health or substance abuse services. Urgent appointments may be scheduled by the caller with the Community Mental Health Center in the caller’s area, if appropriate. The Community Mental Health Centers have open access for walk-in assessments.
MOBILE ASSESSMENTS AND INTERVENTIONS
When a caller requires a face-to-face intervention, CommCARE will refer the caller to a Community Mental Health Center in the caller's community who will arrange for a mental health professional to meet him/her at a safe, convenient location.
RESPITE SERVICES
Short-term respite services may be arranged if an individual needs a change of environment in order to regain control of his or her situation.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
CommCARE collaborates with the Community Mental Health Centers to encourage quality crisis services. If you would like to participate, email us at info@commcare1.org.
First Step For HELP's access/crisis intervention system is funded through the
Missouri Department of Mental Health.
