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Crisis Response

Crisis Solutions Center

1600 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98144
Crisis Solutions Center building on opening day, with balloons on a sign
The Crisis Solutions Center (CSC) is a resource for police, medics, crisis mental health professionals and other first responders when they meet individuals in crisis might otherwise receive no help, or be taken to jail, an emergency room or a psychiatric hospital inpatient unit. Opened in 2012, the CSC helps reduce chronic homelessness and overall admissions and unnecessary involvement in the judicial and emergency medical systems. Learn more here.

When a person in crisis arrives at the CSC, a multidisciplinary team comprised of mental health professionals, peer specialists, behavioral health case managers, substance use professionals, and medical staff help stabilize them, in a voluntary short-term inpatient setting. They also immediately work to refer participants to long-term services and possibly housing, tailored to each person’s needs.

The Crisis Solutions Center has three programs:

  • The Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF) accepts individuals in behavioral crisis who are referred by first responders and emergency departments in King County. Clients stay in this program for up to 72 hours, and receive various kinds of stabilization services, monitoring and referrals to outside resources.
  • Crisis Diversion Interim Services (CDIS) is a “step-down” program which admits clients referred directly from the (CDF) 72-hour program who are experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness. Clients may stay up to 14 days and have access to more long-term supports.
  • The Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) is composed of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Professionals who accept referrals from police and medics to provide services to individuals experiencing imminent crises in the community.

Referral Sources

The Crisis Diversion Facility and Mobile Crisis Team only accept eligible individuals in behavioral crisis who are referred by first responders in King County, including law enforcement, Fire Department/Medic One units, designated mental health professionals and hospital emergency departments’ social workers. Referrals to the Crisis Diversion Interim Services will come only from the Crisis Diversion Facility.

Crisis Respite Program

Working in partnership with Harborview Medical Center, King County Mental Health Court and hospitals across the county, the Crisis Respite Program is a vital buffer between psychiatric emergency care and life back on the streets. Without this program, people would have little choice but to return to the streets, where they would most likely repeat a cycle of using costly public services like emergency rooms, jails, sobering centers and courts.

Located at a separate site, the CRP includes 20 beds (14 for men, six for women) and specialized staffing 24/7. This program can provide:

  • Short-term, intensive case management
  • Referrals to other community resources
  • Medication monitoring
  • Access to primary health care
  • VAT/VISPDAT assessments to help start the housing process