Community Alliance’s Center for Mental Health integrates Safe Harbor services for individuals in crisis
As Community Alliance moves into our new Center for Mental Health, we are pleased to bring many of our programs and services together in a single, integrated location — including our Safe Harbor Peer Services, previously located at the Lasting Hope Recovery Center campus.
Since 2013, Safe Harbor’s services have provided peer-led support to individuals facing mental health crises that do not require immediate psychiatric care or hospitalization. Nine out of 10 people who have come to Safe Harbor report that these services averted a hospitalization. Safe Harbor’s move to our Center for Mental Health will take this impact even further.
“The integration creates more convenience for individuals who come to us through Safe Harbor to access other Community Alliance services — and vice versa for Community Alliance clients to access Safe Harbor services,” said Jai Sookram, program manager for Family Education and Peer Support Services. “It also increases synergy among all Community Alliance services with so much expertise close at hand.”
What to expect
The Safe Harbor warm line (402-715-4226) and physical space are available 24/7. When visiting its new location, individuals will enter the Community Alliance Center for Mental Health on the north side of the building off Mercy Road. A staff member will greet the individual, lead them to a calm, comfortable setting in the program area, listen empathetically, and provide encouragement and support. Individuals are welcome to stay for just under 24 hours while staff help them self-regulate, manage the crisis and connect with any needed services.
“When anyone contacts Safe Harbor, they can expect to speak with a peer who treats them with respect, somebody who has been in their shoes,” Jai said. “Whatever the cause of referral or contact, whether it’s substance use, a mental health disorder, sudden grief, domestic violence or even eviction, our staff is here to provide support.”
Safe Harbor’s trained peer support specialists have experienced mental illness and are in recovery. Their invaluable, personal knowledge allows them to provide practical support and strategies to deal with the immediate situation while offering suggestions for connecting, or reconnecting, with other resources for continued support.
“We believe that planning is the premier coping skill,” Jai said. “Our peer support specialists teach planning and self-regulation skills, helping individuals move from dependence to independence.”
Help is always available
Safe Harbor services do not require a diagnosed mental health condition. Any adult in our community who is experiencing a serious mental health challenge can contact Safe Harbor any day, any time.
“If someone has received a diagnosis and has been in treatment, we serve them,” Jai said. “But if someone is not in treatment, has not seen a professional and has no diagnosis, they can also call. We will help them get the process started to find answers.”
Safe Harbor does not provide emergency or other professional psychiatric or medical care. If you are in a crisis requiring professional attention, please call your doctor or therapist, or 988.