Meet Our 2026 ESPRIT Award Winner: Crystal Laikhram

Children and teenagers in a behavioral health crisis often keep whatever is troubling them to themselves. But Crystal Laikhram, a Psychiatric Social Worker with our Bronx Children’s Mobile Crisis Program, has a gift for helping them express what’s bothering them. “I go into every situation with an open mind,” she says, “and I’m glad I can give them a sense that they are safe with me.”

As a frontline Behavioral Health clinician, Crystal visits the homes of young people up to age 20 who are dealing with urgent behavioral health concerns. She assesses their mental state, including their risk of suicide, and then connects them to the right level of care, whether that means hospitalization or outpatient services.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when a child or teen in crisis opens up about what is bothering them, so I can help,” she says.

Sometimes what’s shared may be a teenager’s admission of cutting themselves, in which case Crystal will help the teen and their family develop healthier ways of coping. Other times, a young person could be having thoughts of suicide and she’ll make sure they get to a safe place.

She also pays attention to silence. One girl would not speak at all during Crystal’s visit, but once she reached the hospital, she told the triage nurse she was hearing voices. “We need to listen closely and hear what young people are trying to tell us, even when they are not talking,” Crystal notes.

Serving on a Mobile Crisis Team involves meeting challenges head on, and Crystal embodies that approach. Recently, she came upon a woman suspected of overdosing in an apartment building she and her team were visiting. Crystal quickly called 911 and then administered Narcan. By the time EMS arrived the woman was responsive, thanks to Crystal’s prompt intervention.

Afterward, her VNS Health colleagues reached out to recognize Crystal and her team for their life-saving actions. Crystal responded with a thank-you note that summarizes what she and her team do every day: “Your words have reinforced my belief,” she wrote, “that compassion, preparedness, and looking out for one another can have an incredible impact.”