MCT Service Decision Considerations:

- When the referral is received, we consider:

o Performance contract
 Under the terms of our current performance contract, we aim to fill our .5 slot
for crisis stabilization. We consider crisis stabilization to be the “default” service
unless one of the additional considerations listed below suggests crisis
intervention to be more appropriate in the specific case.
o Needed service based on level of risk
 If the person is referred to MCT as a true diversion from being hospitalized in
the moment, we attempt to engage in crisis stabilization, as the more intensive
service
 If the person is at risk of hospitalization in the near future (next couple of
weeks) based on their symptoms, but is not necessarily immediately at
consideration for hospitalization, crisis intervention is typically recommended
o Assessment of clients willingness to engage in the service
 If the person is requesting daily contact of at least one hour, we pursue crisis
stabilization
 If the person is not willing for or interested in the extensive daily contact
recommended with crisis stabilization of at least 1 hr/day, crisis intervention is
recommended
o Specific service criteria
 If the person is seen by a doctor, or can be within 72 hours of starting the
service, crisis stabilization is appropriate.
 If the person demonstrates a clinical need for crisis stabilization but cannot see
a doctor, we document the barrier and still pursue crisis stabilization. At times,
we work with psychiatric services to provide a psychiatric assessment as part of
crisis stabilization services.
 If the person can or will not be seen by a doctor within 72 hours of starting the
service and is not able to identify a particular barrier to doing so, crisis
intervention is pursued.
o Payer source
 Anthem Healthkeepers has specifically instructed us to provide services under
crisis stabilization rather than crisis intervention
 MCOs will offer reimbursement for services provided in shorter increments
under a crisis intervention authorization. Treatment in shorter increments is
preferable to some clients, making crisis intervention a more appropriate
service.