The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published updated crisis care guidance for 2025, designed to reflect the transition to the 988 Lifeline. {SAMHSA & Becker's]
In a Jan. 15 news release, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said the guidance is designed to help communities "continue to develop and enhance their behavioral health crisis services."
"Everyone in this country, no matter who they are or where they live, should have access to crisis care for mental health and substance use issues," Mr. Becerra said.
Here are five changes to note:
- The agency updated three components of the behavioral health crisis system for 2025. The essential components include 988 and other behavioral health lines, mobile crisis and outreach services and emergency and crisis stabilization services.
- The 2025 guidelines outline a general approach rather than providing a universal toolkit for every organization.
- The new guidelines place more emphasis on follow-up services, care coordination and critical service interventions.
- The updated guidance also emphasizes support for whole-person and family system care.
- SAMHSA also published an implementation toolkit for mobile crisis team services. Public comments on the guidance are being accepted through March 21.
Read the full guidance here.
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