Crisis System Overview

Better Understand the Crisis System with Videos from Key Collaborators

These short, informational videos provide an overview of the main components of the mental health and substance use crisis response system in the East Metro (Ramsey, Dakota and Washington Counties).

These videos, presented by staff at local entities providing or interacting with mental health and substance use services, will allow you to become more familiar with key collaborators in the system. In total, the videos take around 30 minutes to watch.

To learn more about any of the services, service providers or the East Metro Crisis Alliance, please contact Roger Meyer, Project Director at roger@mightyconsulting.org 

About the Alliance

Introduction with Roger Meyer, EMCA

This video provides an overview of the East Metro Crisis Alliance, a public-private partnership across the mental health and substance use crisis response system, as well as the EMCA website and these orientation videos.

Someone to Talk To

Crisis Phone Lines and Warmlines with Shannah Mulvihill, Mental Health Minnesota

This video provides an overview of free, confidential phone lines that individuals can call to talk to someone in real time when they are struggling with their mental health or substance use. Watch a video about Minnesota Mental Health’s Warmline here.

Making a Mental Health Appointment

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics(CCBHC) with Sam Vitiello, Wilder Recovery Services

CCBHC’s provide easy access to services in the East Metro. This video provides an overview of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), including what they are, what services they provide, and what an individual can expect when they utilize a CCBHC. The video also covers other ways to access mental health services. To see a video on what to expect during a psychiatry appointment, click here.

Making a Substance Use Appointment

Comprehensive Assessments with Mike Beltowsky, Gateway Recovery

This video provides an overview of how to access substance use services through substance use comprehensive assessments, including some of the dimensions assessed, what an individual can expect during a comprehensive assessment, and why they are conducted.

Immediate Help for Substance Use

Withdrawal Management and Detox with Mike Beltowsky, Gateway Recovery

This video explains what withdrawal management and detox are and what levels of services exist, how an individual can find the best fit of services for them, and what to expect from withdrawal management and detox services.

Immediate Help from Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement with Officer Greg Altman, West St. Paul PD

This video explains how law enforcement responds to 911 calls for mental health crises, including the process of assessing the scene and responding accordingly, and the use of embedded social workers.

Immediate Help Getting Access to Shelter

Shelter Entry and Diversion with David Zaffran, Ramsey County Housing Stability

This video provides an overview of diversion resources for single adults newly experiencing homelessness, including the process for shelter reservations.

Access to Housing

Coordinated Entry with Michael Kaup, Catholic Charities Twin Cities

This video provides an overview of the St. Paul Opportunity Center and coordinated entry assessments for individuals who have been experiencing homelessness for one year or longer.