Supporting Residents with Serious Mental Illness

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry

A recently released fact sheet by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helps providers better understand and recognize the symptoms of three of the most common serious mental illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Resources Available to Assist You

The fact sheet also describes best practices for supporting tenants/residents experiencing a mental health crisis and how to connect them with support. Information is also provided on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained counselors who can support individuals experiencing suicidal, substance use, or mental health crises.

The Minnesota Department of Health has been working with our five call centers in MN to support the 988 Lifeline. In addition to the 988 Lifeline Centers, there are local Mobile Crisis Mental Health Services available that are supported by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

AL Licensees

This information is particularly helpful to Assisted Living licensees who have a new requirement for mental illness training (144G.64), effective July of 2025. An element of the required training is to provide education for staff on crisis resolution and suicide prevention, including procedures for contacting county crisis response teams and 988 suicide and crisis lifelines.