Crisis Triage & Stabilization

A short-stay facility for individuals in a behavioral health crisis to receive support in a safe and recovery-oriented environment.

What is Crisis Triage & Stabilization?

Compass Health Crisis Triage utilizes a recovery model to assist those in behavioral health crises to access services and to support and resume typical levels of functioning. Multi-disciplinary teams of Peer Counselors, Mental Health Technicians, Clinicians, Nurses, and Psychiatric providers work together to address each individual’s needs.


Who does Crisis Triage & Stabilization serve?

Whatcom County Triage Center

Housed in the Anne Deacon Center for Hope in Bellingham, Compass Health’s Crisis Triage can accommodate up to 16 individuals at once who are experiencing a mental health crisis. We provide crisis stabilization, safety planning, and referrals for ongoing care. Individuals may self-refer or be referred by a community partner such as a behavioral health provider, hospital social worker, or medical provider. The facility can also accept drop-offs from law enforcement and emergency medical technicians as a diversion alternative to jail or the emergency room. Compass Health’s Crisis Triage is co-located in the Anne Deacon Center with a detox facility operated by Pioneer Services. Individuals needing non-medical sobering support should contact Pioneer Services.

Snohomish County Triage Center

As of April 24, Snohomish County Triage Center is temporarily closed until the re-opening of our new facility as part of our Broadway Campus Redevelopment project.

The Broadway Campus Redevelopment project is a commitment to the future of downtown Everett and to our clients – those we serve now and in the future in Snohomish County. This redevelopment will allow us to expand our service capacity and deliver care in a purpose-built facility that reflects dignity for our clients and the level of clinical excellence our teams deliver daily.


Approach to care

Triage is a voluntary program for individuals in crisis who need the additional support of 24/7 staffing to manage their safety and stability. Lengths of stay at Triage can vary from hours to several days and is dependent on the details of any given crisis episode. During their stay, individuals are assessed by both a mental health professional and a nurse. Individually tailored care plans are developed to help the individual meet their unique needs.


Goals of Crisis Triage & Stabilization

Triage provides a vital component of the continuum of care for individuals experiencing a behavioral health disorder. The goals of Triage are to ensure ready access in a crisis to a supportive, stable environment fully staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals; to reduce the need for individuals to go to emergency departments for care; to create alternatives to jail for individuals whose disruptive behavior may be the result of their behavioral health condition; and to create a step-down option for individuals transitioning back to the community from a higher level of care such as a psychiatric hospitalization.

Services

Services in this program include the following, based on client need:

  • Crisis Stabilization
  • Medication Evaluations

Access

To access this service, call or text the 988 The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to speak with a licensed mental health professional who will assess the situation and make appropriate referrals.

Referrals to the WCTC can be made by calling the Crisis Care Line at 800-584-3578. Professionals can call directly to make referrals at 360-676-2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m in crisis now – what do I do?

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988. If you are experiencing any other kind of emergency, call 911.

Our team can be reached by dialing the national mental health crisis line, 988, or by calling the Care Crisis Line at 1-800-584-3578 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to speak with a mental health professional who will assess the situation and make appropriate referrals.

If you are in a region that Compass Health is the responding team we will find a way to get to you when and where you need us.

How do I find out where these services are offered?

Start by checking out our location page. First, filter by the category of service. Then, find the service you’re looking for. Available locations will populate, and you can even get directions to the closest facility.

How do I know which services are right for me?

Our referral team is here to help! Accessing services at Compass Health is an easy, three-step process. Start by requesting services with our online referral form.

How do I sign up for services?

Different services have different entry points at Compass Health – many are open to self-referrals, others must be referred by an outside source. For specific information based on service, please refer to our services tab and check the appropriate service(s) you are interested in for a way to get started. For general advice on how to access many services at Compass Health, visit here.

Is the Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) option one that makes sense for my family?

To learn more about Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) please talk to your clinician or see this flyer from the Washington State Healthcare Authority flyer for more details as it is outlined in the RCW.

Is there a form to fill out if a member of my household has become a danger to themselves or others?

Yes. The form is called a Declaration of Witness (DCLR) and is available by clicking here. It is also on our client forms page. Use this form as directed by DCR staff. If you’re in an emergency and not sure where to start, call 988.

Get In Touch

Compass Health is here to help. Whether you have questions about our services, want to share your feedback or a success story, have a media inquiry, or are seeking more information on a training or job opportunity, contact us today for assistance and support.

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