WellSpan Health expands behavioral health services

WellSpan Health is expanding its mobile crisis care next month to better serve patients with behavioral health needs. 

WellSpan Health said it will be the only provider of mobile crisis care as of April 1. 

WellSpan Health and TrueNorth Wellness Services both currently provide crisis services in York and Adams Counties. Beginning April 1, WellSpan will be the sole provider of these services.  

With the expansion of these services, WellSpan will employ an innovative strategy that utilizes mobile crisis care. When a community member calls the WellSpan Crisis Services telephone line, they will be routed to counselors to help determine if a patient should see a WellSpan counselor in an outpatient setting or go to the Emergency Department. 

 “We are excited to expand crisis services to serve the residents of both York and Adams counties and help those in need of mental health assistance,” said Dr. Shannon Gordon, vice president, WellSpan Behavioral Health. “We believe this expansion will allow us to provide more personalized care to patients in the community, and in a more timely and efficient manner.” 

 WellSpan’s mobile crisis counselors will respond directly to patients where they are located, including schools and personal homes. This will benefit both emergency departments as well as the patient who will receive more timely and personalized care in an outpatient environment. 

 “Our experience is that 80% of people who contact WellSpan when they are having a mental health or substance use crisis do not need emergency department care and can get better faster when they are served in community, not hospital, settings,” Gordon said.  “We are excited to expand our ability to provide personalized care and support to residents of York and Adams counties in this new way.” 

 WellSpan Crisis Services can be reached at (717) 851-5320 or (800) 673-2496. WellSpan’s crisis support services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.