- Structured guidance in urgent and high-risk situations Situations involving acute mental health distress, substance-related risk, or severe instability can escalate quickly and unpredictably.
- At THE BALANCE, our role in such moments is to provide clear, responsible guidance focused on safety, containment, and appropriate next steps — not urgency, pressure, or false reassurance.
- OUR PRIORITY: SAFETY & STABILISATION In crisis situations, safety comes first.
Structured guidance in urgent and high-risk situations
Situations involving acute mental health distress, substance-related risk, or severe instability can escalate quickly and unpredictably. At THE BALANCE, our role in such moments is to provide clear, responsible guidance focused on safety, containment, and appropriate next steps — not urgency, pressure, or false reassurance.
WHEN CRISIS SUPPORT MAY BE NEEDED
Crisis situations may include, but are not limited to:
- Acute intoxication or withdrawal risk
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Severe psychological distress or disorientation
- Rapid deterioration in mental or physical stability
- Escalating family or relational crisis
Each situation is unique and requires careful assessment rather than assumptions.
OUR PRIORITY: SAFETY & STABILISATION
In crisis situations, safety comes first. Our initial focus is on:
- understanding the level of immediate risk
- identifying whether emergency services are required
- supporting stabilisation before any further decisions
Crisis support is not about rapid admission – it is about responsible action.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
Depending on the situation, THE BALANCE may provide:
- Rapid, confidential risk assessment by experienced professionals
- Guidance on immediate safety measures
- Support in identifying appropriate next steps
- Coordination with medical, psychiatric, or emergency services where indicated
- Advice for families and representatives navigating urgent decisions
Support may be provided by phone or through coordinated professional contact.
WHAT WE DO NOT DO
To ensure responsibility and safety, it is important to be clear about limitations. THE BALANCE does not:
- Act as an emergency response service
- Replace local emergency or crisis services
- Promise immediate solutions or outcomes
- Escalate panic or urgency unnecessarily
- Encourage unsafe travel or transitions
Where emergency care is required, we will advise contacting local emergency services without delay.
INTERVENTION & PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
In some cases, families or representatives may request structured intervention support. Where appropriate, we may:
- Discuss whether an intervention is clinically indicated
- Advise on timing, structure, and safety considerations
- Coordinate with external professionals
- Support responsible decision-making
All intervention-related involvement is assessed case by case, with safety and consent as central considerations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this an emergency service?
No. In medical or psychiatric emergencies, local emergency services should be contacted immediately.
Can you help if we are not in the same country?
We can offer guidance remotely and help identify appropriate local options.
Can you coordinate an intervention?
In certain cases, yes — but only when clinically appropriate and safety can be ensured.
Does crisis support mean immediate admission?
No. Admission decisions are made separately and only after appropriate assessment.
A NOTE ON RESPONSIBILITY
Crisis situations are emotionally charged and complex. At THE BALANCE, we approach these moments with calm, clarity, and professional restraint – recognizing that responsible guidance often means slowing down rather than rushing forward.
