kpwlee
Posted : 10/10/2010 6:48:49 AM
Paige & Julie I don't think that you or your friends will find any decent options. I will do my best to keep this short but mental health services in this country are shocking - worse than any other developed country - well at least less available. It is why when I moved back I made a firm decision to not work in the system ever again.
It is true that the police are tasked with being the 'go to' resource for those in immediate need ( how screwed up is that!) and their obligation is really to get the person off the street. Even if a person went to a hospital ER they might be evaluated but not kept. There are few beds for mental health patients - that is why they comprise the vast majority of homeless people.
It is also essential that if they should be able to access anti-depressants that they are closely monitored - most take more than two weeks to be effective AND they all increase likelihood of suicide until they stabilize.
I think that is as much debbie downer that I will share. You may find a suicide watch agency similar to the rape crisis centers or a women's center that has some services. I might also call a university crisis center and see if they know of an appropriate resource
I wish you both luck and success and I hope that your friends are able to get some help