Crisis Services

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services, Inc. began operation in November of 1968 after two years of strategic planning by the Mental Health Association, the Psychological Association of WNY, the Community Welfare Council, and the Erie County Department of Mental Health. It was developed to have broader purposes and concerns in the area of emergency mental health services than currently available by offering a 24/7 response.

The service was designed to fill the community’s need for an innovative unit that would explore new methods of treating and assisting people in emotional crisis through a variety of therapeutic services. It was to also provide training and educational programs in crisis intervention and have a comprehensive research component supporting the whole service. Crisis Services exists to fill the same needs today, but has adapted service delivery with respect to social needs and funding.

Crisis Services of Erie County is the most comprehensive crisis center in upstate New York. Crisis Services fulfills community needs through the following program services:

• 24 Hour Hotline – Crisis Counseling Program
• Emergency Mobile Outreach Services
• Trauma Response Services
• The Advocate Program- Rape, Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Elder Abuse
• Community Education and Training
• Police/Mental Health Coordination Project

Crisis Services works to be the best agency to address issues related to emergency mental health by decreasing hospitalizations, suicides, violence, homelessness and other issues that accompany these social ills.