The development of acute psychiatric crisis services in England: Opportunities, problems and trends

Abstract

This paper firstly describes the current position of crisis services in England in the context of the overall pattern of Community Mental Health Services. Secondly, it outlines the major factors that will influence the nature and rate of development of crisis services over the next five years. Next, it examines the practical steps that are needed to overcome some of the remaining obstacles to such development. It concludes with some thoughts on the overall direction of crisis services in the context of these influences and obstacles.