Once established as a client here at New Directions, you will have access to our emergency services. This service is only to be used by active clients in situations where they feel their immediate safety is in question. It would also be appropriate to engage emergency services if others were not safe due to the actions or emotional reactivity of an active client. This service is offered 24 hours a day/seven days a week.
After business hours, a client would engage emergency services by calling the Hickory office at (828) 267-1740. A general message would be received and the caller will be directed to press (2) for emergency services. This action will direct the caller to leave a detailed voicemail which will be forwarded to the licensed clinician on call. That clinician will directly return the call and assist the active client.
If emergency services are needed during business hours, the active client is encouraged to contact New Directions directly and they will first be assisted in trying to connect with their primary clinician. If the primary clinician is unavailable and it is determined emergency services are needed, the client will be directed to the “on-call” clinician.
Please note additionally, as of 3/1/21, New Directions is no longer using a pager for emergency services. The above actions detail our new protocol for accessing NDCS emergency services. The previously used pager number, if stored or saved by a client, should be disregarded.