Shining a Light on Overnight Crisis Responders During Mental Health Awareness Month
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the vital role crisis response teams play across North Dakota—especially the overnight staff at our Human Service Centers (Behavioral Health Clinics). These dedicated professionals respond to mental health and substance use emergencies when few others are available, often serving as a lifeline in the darkest hours.
Deborah Schon, an overnight crisis worker at West Central Human Service Center, recently shared what it's like to do this essential work. She spoke candidly about the rewards and challenges of crisis intervention, highlighting the steady compassion and resilience required to show up night after night. Her story reminds us just how deeply these professionals impact the lives of those they serve—offering calm, care, and connection when it’s needed most.
No two nights on the job are the same. Deborah's responsibilities range from responding to suicidal crises and substance-related emergencies to collaborating with law enforcement during mental health interventions. What makes the crisis team stand out is its commitment to physically showing up—whether it’s in a hospital emergency room, someone’s home, or a local jail.
This boots-on-the-ground approach is made possible through strong partnerships with organizations like FirstLink, Dakota Foundation, and local law enforcement. Together, they form a safety net that catches individuals facing a mental health crisis, offering not just assistance, but hope.
After more than 25 years in the field, Deborah has gained a grounded perspective: while she can’t solve every systemic issue or rewrite someone’s history, she can make a meaningful difference in the moment. West Central’s crisis work is rooted in small acts of human connection—treating people as relevant, worthy, and seen. Often, those brief interactions are enough to spark a glimmer of light in someone who felt invisible.
Still, the work is not without its heartbreak. Schon shared her frustrations about the persistent gaps in the system—limited crisis beds, insufficient transitional housing, and short-term treatment options that don’t always meet long-term needs. Despite these challenges, the team at West Central continues to show up, helping people stabilize and find their next step forward, no matter how uncertain the path.
She also emphasized the importance of keeping an open heart. Many of the people she encounters are those society tends to overlook or fear. But they are not beyond help—they are individuals battling illnesses that impact their minds and behaviors. And in her experience, simple compassion can have a profound effect. “Treating someone like a real human being makes a bigger difference than you know,” she said.
Our 24/7 crisis services are accessible across the state. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can dial 988 to connect with someone who will listen, provide support, and if necessary, dispatch trained crisis professionals to help.
This story is a reminder that real change begins with empathy—and that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up.