Health leaders and stakeholders from across the globe have unveiled the Global Behavioral Health Crisis Care Principles at the Crisis Now III Summit held in Amsterdam in June of 2024. Developed by over 100 health experts and leaders, these principles aim to prioritize care that is accessible for all with evidence-based crisis care systems for mental health and substance use crises worldwide.
In response to a critical need for systemic transformation, the Global Crisis Care Principles provide a collaborative framework that supports public health leaders, policymakers, and care providers in creating comprehensive, community-centered crisis response systems.
Why It Matters
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for high-quality crisis care on par with physical health emergency systems. Millions globally have faced rising rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use crises.
Dr. Brian Hepburn, Executive Director at NASMHPD, stated, “The Crisis Now III Summit brought together leaders from around the world to address the urgent need for high-quality, accessible crisis care. By establishing these global principles, we are taking a monumental step toward creating behavioral health systems that save lives, respect human dignity, and reflect the values of the communities they serve. This collaborative effort underscores the power of shared vision and the importance of centering lived experience in shaping the future of crisis care.”
“Our mission is to ensure that every person, everywhere, and every time they need it, can access compassionate and effective crisis care. The principles developed at the Crisis Now III Summit are a testament to the global commitment to transforming behavioral health care. Together, we’ve created a framework that prioritizes belonging, empowerment, and respect—key pillars of a system that truly supports individuals in their most vulnerable moments,” said David W. Covington, CEO and President of Recovery Innovations, Inc. and Partner and Co-Founder for Behavioral Health Link.
Kana Enomoto, Director of Brain Health for the McKinsey Health Institute, said, “Informed by mental health leaders from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, we hope these principles will inspire the development of community-based suicide and crisis care that is safe, effective, and person-centered.”
A Collaborative Effort
The Global Crisis Care Principles emphasize:
1. Safe, accessible, and belonging-centered care.
2. Person-driven approaches informed by lived experience.
3. Timely access to care tailored to individuals and communities.
4. Evidence-informed public health approaches.
5. Integration within broader community ecosystems.
Notable organizations contributing to the principles include Arkin and the Spoedeisende Psychiatrie Amsterdam, Behavioral Health Link, McKinsey Health Institute, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and Recovery Innovations.
A Vision for the Future
By providing a universal framework adaptable across countries and systems, the Global Crisis Care Principles set the stage for lasting improvements in behavioral health crisis response.