Agency
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
Board
State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
Guidance Document Change: The purpose of this document is to provide the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ (DBHDS’ or “the department’s”) explanation of best practices for the crisis continuum.
Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
2/18/26  2:11 pm
Commenter: Chris Santarsiero

SUPPORT 12VAC35-278
 

The proposed best practices strengthen the quality and humanity of care for individuals by emphasizing least?restrictive, community?based responses and reducing unnecessary law?enforcement involvement, especially those who receive involuntary services. Clear statewide pathways and coordinated crisis services help minimize trauma, ensure consistent rights?based treatment, and prevent people from being lost in fragmented systems. Mobile crisis teams, Crisis Receiving Centers, and specialized programs like REACH offer safer, more appropriate alternatives to emergency departments or institutional settings, while strong training and data?driven oversight promote accountability and respectful, person?centered care.  Thank you for your attention to these comments.

CommentID: 240307