Wood County Youth Mental Health: Navigating Crisis and Charting a Path Forward
The Children’s Resource Center (CRC) in Wood County, Ohio, stands as a critical lifeline for youth and families facing behavioral health challenges. Yet, recent developments and ongoing systemic issues are reshaping the landscape of care, demanding innovative solutions and increased support.
State Mandates Impact Local Crisis Response
A significant hurdle for CRC and other local agencies is a state-level policy shift impacting mobile crisis services. Effective fall 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services mandated that mobile response teams operate only between 8 a.m. And 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. This centralization of crisis services, while intended to streamline statewide efforts, has directly impacted local funding and the ability to provide 24/7 emergency support.
“One of our barriers is that the state currently is not willing to fund 8 p.m. To 8 a.m. Or all the weekend,” explained Carmen Uresti, CRC director of emergency services. The CRC’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) are designed to reach individuals in crisis – in schools, homes and communities – within 60 minutes, a crucial timeframe given Wood County’s expansive 617 square miles.
Successes Amidst Challenges: A Holistic Approach
Despite these obstacles, CRC continues to achieve positive outcomes. A cornerstone of their success is comprehensive safety planning, conducted with every client and their families. This proactive approach ensures safe environments and provides crucial support during vulnerable moments. Other positive trends include clients learning coping skills and reductions in escalations, and truancy.
CRC offers a wide range of services, including prevention programs, outpatient therapy, day treatment, co-occurring disorders treatment, and residential services. The agency is likewise expanding its capabilities with a new, state-grant funded regional facility that will house an expanded short-term residential unit and a behavioral health urgent care center, featuring 16 beds and 24/7 nursing staff. The average length of stay is anticipated to be 30-60 days.
Addressing Barriers to Outpatient Care
While CRC’s services are comprehensive, challenges remain in specific areas. Mindy Bahnsen, director of outpatient services, highlighted the difficulty of engaging parents in their children’s therapy. “Many parents don’t get engaged in their child’s therapy,” she noted, with some preferring to simply drop off and pick up their children. School-based services, while in high demand, are often constrained by time limitations, making it difficult to address deep-seated trauma.
The co-occurring disorders program also faces hurdles, with many teens lacking external motivators, such as probation, to actively seek treatment.
Prevention and Early Intervention: A Long-Term Investment
CRC’s prevention services extend across 18 counties, providing consultation, training, and support to children, caregivers, and professionals. In the past quarter, these services reached 118 children, 183 caregivers, and provided consultations to 23 classrooms, impacting 320 children and 46 caregivers. Programmatic consultations reached an additional 1,948 children and 253 caregivers.
Did you know?
Early intervention and prevention services are crucial for fostering positive mental health outcomes and reducing the need for more intensive care later in life.
Looking Ahead: Funding and Strategic Decisions
The challenges faced by CRC and other behavioral health agencies are regularly presented to the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) board to inform funding and strategic decisions. The board recently approved a resolution requiring 120-day notice for contract terminations or substantial changes, providing greater stability for partner agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What services does the Children’s Resource Center offer? CRC provides a comprehensive range of behavioral health services, including prevention, outpatient therapy, day treatment, residential services, and crisis intervention.
- Is financial assistance available? Yes, CRC serves all Wood County families regardless of their ability to pay and offers a sliding fee discount based on family size and income.
- What are the current barriers to providing mental health services in Wood County? State-mandated reductions in mobile crisis services, workforce burnout, and challenges with parental involvement are among the key barriers.
- How can I access crisis services? CRC’s emergency services are available, but currently limited to 8 a.m. To 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for aid. Contact CRC or explore other resources available through the Wood County ADAMHS Board.
Learn more about the Children’s Resource Center and their services at https://www.crcwoodcounty.org/.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What are your biggest concerns regarding youth mental health in Wood County?
