Summit Pointe launches 24-hour Mobile Crisis response

Summit Pointe has launched a 24-hour Mobile Crisis program designed to bring trained behavioral-health professionals to people experiencing urgent mental health or substance-use crises across Calhoun County.

The program was highlighted through the Calhoun County Diversion Council, which is co-chaired by Summit Pointe CEO Jeannie Goodrich and Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley.

The council brings together law enforcement, hospitals, county commissioners, prosecutors, court administrators and community mental-health leaders to identify gaps and improve coordination.

Summit Pointe says the Mobile Crisis team can include up to 16 trained professionals who assess each situation, coordinate services, develop safety plans and determine the safest next step.

Law enforcement is not automatically involved and is brought in only when the circumstances make that necessary.

The service is available around the clock to children, youth and adults, regardless of insurance coverage.

Summit Pointe also operates its First Step Psychiatric Urgent Care Center at 175 College Street in Battle Creek, where people can seek crisis support without an appointment.

Goodrich said better intervention can help people reach treatment sooner and may prevent a mental-health emergency from escalating into jail, an emergency-room visit or a more dangerous encounter.

The partnership also includes Crisis Intervention Team training for law-enforcement personnel, helping officers recognize behavioral-health emergencies and use de-escalation skills when they respond.

The new service expands the options available to families and first responders when a crisis does not require an enforcement-first response.

People experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency should still call 911.

For behavioral-health crisis support, Summit Pointe lists a 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-632-5449, and Michigan residents can also call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor.

Providing multiple ways to reach help may make it easier for residents to choose the right response before a situation becomes more severe.

Q: Who can use Summit Pointe’s Mobile Crisis service?

A: Children, youth and adults in Calhoun County can receive crisis response regardless of insurance coverage.

Q: Does calling the Mobile Crisis team automatically involve police?

A: No. The clinical team assesses the situation and involves law enforcement only when necessary.

Q: Where can someone get immediate crisis help in Battle Creek?

A: Call Summit Pointe’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-632-5449, call or text 988, or use 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.