Re: “Letter to the editor: Make access to suicide prevention services equal” (Nov. 1):

At Maine Behavioral Healthcare, we are contracted with the state of Maine to provide crisis services to people of all ages in the midcoast region and York County. It is the routine practice of crisis providers to deliver immediate help to any person, regardless of age, seeking help for a behavioral health crisis.

Maine Behavioral Healthcare partners with schools, physical and behavioral health providers, residential and crisis stabilization units, law enforcement and many other community supports to ensure that crisis and follow-up support for children, adults and families is appropriate and timely.

Our crisis teams work closely with and reach out to the parent or guardian during and after the crisis assessment phase. It is very important that the parent or guardian is aware and has the opportunity to provide input to the comprehensive crisis assessment, and also gain an understanding and participate in the recommended follow-up care.

To answer the concern that a parent must be present before a crisis worker provides support: Maine Behavioral Healthcare does not require a parent or guardian to be present before a crisis worker meets with a child. There is an immediate response by phone to determine if a face-to-face crisis assessment is needed. If so, a crisis worker is rapidly deployed to meet with the person in crisis.

Maine Behavioral Healthcare takes confidentiality and the rights of clients seriously and as a best practice involves a child’s caregivers whenever possible. If contact is not attainable prior to support being offered by the crisis worker, every effort is made to continue to involve the parent or guardian as soon as possible.

Please call the Maine Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112 for assistance with a behavioral health crisis.

Ronald Young, Psy.D.

director of emergency services, Maine Behavioral Healthcare

Topsham