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Correctional Healthcare

Transforming Suicide Prevention: Centurion Health’s Crisis Intervention Toolbox

By April 30, 2024May 10th, 2024No Comments

In the field of behavioral healthcare, Centurion Health is leading the charge in innovative patient care with the implementation of the Crisis Intervention Toolbox. Crafted by our Clinical Operation’s Behavioral Healthcare Department, this toolbox addresses the critical need for proactive intervention in cases of suicide risk by targeting 13 distinct domains contributing to suicidality. Within each domain, spanning negative core thoughts, anger management, anxiety, and substance use, the toolbox offers over 100 meticulously curated tools designed for skill development and specific challenge resolution.

The crisis intervention toolbox was created to fill the need to enable active treatment and learning while a patient is on suicide watch. To do so required providing staff with tools to target patient’s suicidal drivers, so when they were released from watch, and face triggers to suicidal drivers, they should be able to proactively apply the skills learned.

“With this initiative, we aimed to transform passive suicide watches into active interventions, empowering patients with the skills and support needed to help them manage their behavioral health more independently,”says Dr. Seaaira Reedy, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Centurion Health.

Central to the success of this approach is skill development, where patients learn to self-identify and manage situations and symptoms driving their suicidal ideation. Through tailored interventions, Centurion clinicians guide individuals towards recovery and empowerment, laying the foundation for sustained mental wellness.

“Our toolbox is not just about crisis management; it’s also about integrating evidence-based interventions and skills into therapeutic encounters and promoting a holistic well-being,” Dr. Reedy emphasizes.

By listening to insights from Statewide Behavioral Health Directors and staff across the country, along with embracing a culture of continuous improvement, Centurion Health is committed to redefining standards of care and fostering resilience within our communities.

“Overall, this is an attempt to have suicide watch be a place of learning and acquiring skills to prevent future suicidal crises. We want patients to avoid being placed back on ‘watch’ when it is safe from a risk/clinical perspective, by allowing them to be able to quickly identify drivers that may lead to suicidal ideation. This is accomplished by individuals applying learned skills to manage triggering situations, emotions, ideas, and/or symptoms,” concludes Dr. Reedy.

In the last year, Centurion Health’s behavioral health team has methodically created and adapted over 200 resources for staff reference and implementation when treating patients, further underscoring their commitment to comprehensive and effective care.

“We invite clinicians and stakeholders alike to join us in our mission to advance behavioral health efforts and pave the way for a future where every individual has the support and resources needed to thrive,” stated Dr. Reedy. “Together, we can make a difference in preventing self-harm.”