Crisis Intervention Center

The Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) provides behavioral healthcare services in a community-based setting to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.  The center is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, to individuals of all ages experiencing a crisis.  The CIC provides a warm, comfortable person-centered environment focused on recovery and wellness.

The primary goal of the CIC is to offer comprehensive crisis stabilization services in an outpatient setting such that we can divert a client who may otherwise require inpatient psychiatric services. We offer a safe environment where clients can have the best opportunity to receive an effective crisis plan.  With a multidisciplinary team that can meet a broader spectrum of needs than typically available during an assessment, we provide the highest level of support during a crisis that an outpatient setting can offer.

Referrals are made to the CIC through walk-ins, and self-referrals by the clients, family members, case managers, or other CSB clinicians. The CIC will also help with important coordination including the date and time of follow-up appointments, medication instructions, referral resources and contact information for Emergency Services.

For more information on Arlington County’s Crisis Intervention Center (CIC), please call 703-228-5160.

The center provides aid to individuals in severe distress for up to 23 consecutive hours.  Services offered include:

• Prompt behavioral healthcare assessments
• Observation
• Stabilization
• De-escalation 
• Peer counseling
• Supportive services
• Determination of the appropriate care level.

A critical component of the CIC is providing de-escalation skills to clients under psychological distress or those requiring immediate care associated with substance use or a behavioral healthcare disorder. 

We have 5 calming rooms to offer a safe, comforting, and warm space for intervention.  Each room has couches and recliners available for a client to rest, as well as to meet with a clinician and provider, as well as peer support specialists over an extended period. 

Security is present 24 hours a day to ensure client safety, and Special Conservators of the Peace can accept transfers of custody from law enforcement that would otherwise be holding the client for possible hospitalization. 

Nursing support is a core component of our intervention, ensuring medical needs are adequately assessed and addressed, as they can precipitate a crisis.  Our Nurse Practitioner provides psychiatric support to assist in the intervention with medication, allowing a level of psychiatric intervention without requiring a hospitalization.

CR2 Crisis Response

• Call or Text: 988
• Chat