Geriatric Crisis Services

Geriatric Crisis Service is a specialized crisis intervention and stabilization service available to older adults in King County.

This service is provided by the Geriatric Regional Assessment Team, which consists of geriatric mental health specialists, chemical dependency professionals, social workers, a nurse, an on-call occupational therapist and a psychiatrist. The team works collaboratively to provide in-home mental, substance abuse, medical, psychosocial and functional assessments for people age 60 and older who meet the criteria for eligibility.

There is no fee for these crisis services, thanks to funding from the King County Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Department. The Geriatric Regional Assessment Team will see individuals within three business days of referral.

For questions on eligibility or to make a referral, call:

425.899.6300
1.800.548.0558 (toll free)

Crisis Services:

• Comprehensive psychiatric, medical, social and functional assessments
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Prompt referral and linkage to mental health, aging and health care providers
• Consultation, care planning and education for professional, families and other care providers

Eligibility:

• 60 years of age or older
• Residing in King County
• In crisis
• Probability of a mental disorder or a substance abuse problem

In addition, one or more of the following criteria must be met:

• Physically and/or medically compromised; physically disabled
• Lacking family/friends able and willing to provide the support necessary to ensure health and safety
• Refusing necessary health, mental health, substance abuse and/or social services
• At risk of involuntary psychiatric hospitalization
• In need of an assessment for differential diagnosis

Exclusions:

• Must live in King County (Snohomish County residents may contact Snohomish County Human Services at 425.388.7215 or visit the Snohomish County website)
• Exploitation, neglect and/or abuse is primary problem (call Adult Protective Services at 206.341.7660)
• Crisis is life threatening or if there is an imminent danger of harming self or others (call Crisis Clinic at 206.461.3222 or 911)