CBEM works with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the people around them, in homes and communities across California. We work in partnership with Regional Centers, and we stay involved through to stability rather than handing the situation back once the immediate danger passes.
A Coordinated Continuum of Support
CBEM’s crisis intervention model connects prevention, immediate response, stabilization, and continued support. Our teams coordinate across each phase so individuals, families, and care partners experience greater continuity as needs and circumstances change.
Crisis Prevention
A crisis may develop over time, and early support can help reduce the likelihood of escalation. CBEM works with each individual and their support team to understand their needs, recognize possible early signs of distress, and identify factors that may contribute to instability. Together, we develop practical strategies that families, caregivers, and service providers can use to strengthen support, respond earlier, and promote continued stability.
Acute Crisis Response
When an individual enrolled in CBEM mental health services experiences an active crisis, crisis-response support is available 24 hours a day. Our teams assess the immediate situation and provide support by phone or in person, based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
We work alongside the individual, family, caregivers, and other members of the support team to reduce immediate distress, promote safety, and understand factors contributing to the crisis. When it is safe and appropriate, our goal is to help the individual remain in their home and community while coordinating any additional support that may be needed.
Continued Support
Some individuals may experience recurring crises or need continued support after an immediate situation has stabilized. CBEM works with the individual and their support team to understand changing needs, reassess strategies, and strengthen available resources. Our goal is to support greater stability over time and help the individual and their support network respond effectively as needs change.
The Critical Intervention Service Model
CBEM was founded in 2008 with a commitment to supporting people before, during, and after a crisis. That commitment became the foundation of our Critical Intervention Service model and continues to guide how our teams provide prevention, response, stabilization, and coordinated support.
Our teams work to recognize emerging needs, understand factors that may contribute to instability, and strengthen support before concerns escalate. Although every crisis cannot be predicted or prevented, earlier intervention can create more opportunities to promote safety, reduce distress, and support stability.
Community-based
CBEM provides mental health services in homes, schools, day programs, and other community settings, as well as remotely when appropriate. Meeting people in familiar environments helps our teams understand their needs within the context of their daily lives and develop practical, relevant support strategies.
Person-centered
Each person’s strengths, needs, preferences, and goals guide our approach. We listen to the individual and collaborate with families, caregivers, providers, and other trusted members of the support system to develop strategies that are responsive to the person and their circumstances.
Eligibility and Scope of Services
Individuals served by participating California Regional Centers within CBEM’s service areas may be referred without additional diagnosis, age, or severity requirements. A behavioral or mental health concern that is affecting an individual’s safety, stability, daily functioning, or quality of life may indicate a need for support.
After receiving a referral, CBEM collaborates with the individual, Service Coordinator, and support team to understand the person’s needs and determine whether our services are appropriate.
Our approach to safety
CBEM provides prevention, de-escalation, crisis response, and stabilization services. When a person’s immediate needs require emergency intervention or services outside CBEM’s scope, we communicate that promptly and help coordinate with the appropriate care partners when possible.
Services outside our scope
CBEM does not provide:
- Transportation
- Medication management
- Physical restraint or restraint-based intervention
CBEM services are person-centered and require the individual’s participation and appropriate consent. A referral may not move forward when the individual declines services, when consent or authorization requirements are not met, or when the requested support falls outside CBEM’s scope.
Specialized Support Across the Lifespan
CBEM supports children, adults, and older adults who are served by participating California Regional Centers. We specialize in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other conditions that meet Regional Center eligibility requirements.
Our mental health services are responsive to a wide range of support needs. This includes individuals who are non-ambulatory, medically fragile, or navigating co-occurring behavioral or mental health conditions. We also support care coordination when a person’s needs involve multiple providers or systems, including healthcare, substance use services, housing, education, or the justice system.
Each referral is considered individually. CBEM works with the person, Service Coordinator, family, caregivers, and other care partners to understand current needs, evaluate whether our services are appropriate, and develop a coordinated approach to support safety, stability, and quality of life.
Reported Outcomes
Among individuals who had experienced a recent 5150 psychiatric hold before referral to CBEM, 69.4% reported a decrease in psychiatric escalation following completion of CBEM services.*
During participation in CBEM services:
79.4%
of individuals remained in their current homes
13.7%
of individuals transitioned to a less restrictive setting
93.1%
combined percentage of individuals that remained in their homes or moved to a less restrictive setting
These findings reflect CBEM’s focus on community-based stabilization and supporting individuals in the least restrictive appropriate environment.
*Psychiatric-escalation findings are based on qualitative, self-reported information collected following service completion. Placement outcomes are based on a combination of participant or caregiver reports and available service records. Results describe observed and reported outcomes.
Supporting Regional Centers Across California
CBEM currently partners with 14+ Regional Centers and operates from 18+ offices from Northern to Southern California. Services for individuals supported by East Los Angeles Regional Center and the Regional Center of Orange County are coming soon.
Individuals served by participating Regional Centers may be referred without additional diagnostic, age, or severity requirements imposed by CBEM. Our model is designed to support people with diverse and complex needs through community-based services, interdisciplinary consultation, and coordinated care.
CBEM teams collaborate directly with Service Coordinators, participate in Regional Center and interdisciplinary meetings, and provide timely updates on services and progress. Records are shared with authorized care partners in accordance with applicable consent, privacy, and documentation requirements.
To make a referral, discuss services in your region, or explore a partnership with CBEM, contact our team.