Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT)

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• What situations are appropriate for MCRT services? What is a “behavioral health crisis”?

  MCRT helps people during a behavioral health crisis which can include mental health, substance use conditions, or both.

  Some common signs of a behavioral health crisis are:

  • Changes in mood or behaviors that cause concern
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Sudden changes to hygiene and self-care practices
  • Unusual thoughts, sounds, or visions that cause fear or distress
  • Sudden onset or increase of substance use
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Sense of loss of control over thoughts, feelings, emotions, or behaviors

  
  This is not a complete list, and each situation is unique. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, call the Access and Crisis Line (888-724-7240) to speak to an experienced counselor.  

• Who makes up these teams?

  MCRTs are comprised of licensed mental health clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists. Peer support specialists have a unique understanding of crisis situations through their own lived experience and can help people in crisis feel more comfortable.

• Does MCRT serve all ages?

  Yes, MCRT serves all ages countywide.

• What communities does MCRT serve?

  The MCRT program serves all communities throughout San Diego County. Depending on the location, services may be provided by Exodus Recovery, Inc. (North Coastal region) or by Telecare Corporation (all remaining regions). View a map showing zip codes included in each region.

• Do the teams provide services in languages other than English?

  Yes, services are offered in English and Spanish. For other languages, interpreter services are available. The MCRT focuses on hiring diverse staff that represent the communities they serve.

• Does the MCRT respond to school campuses and/or universities?

  MCRT is able to respond to calls at several colleges and universities and continues to collaborate on expanding response to additional campuses.

  Starting in November 2024, MCRT will be able to respond to all K-12 school campuses within San Diego County. 

• I’d like to learn more about the MCRT service model. Who can I contact if I would like MCRT training and education for groups?
  • Telecare:
     MCRTinfo@telecarecorp.com
    (619) 346-4020 Office Line (does not accept referrals)
  • Exodus:
    mpthompson@exodusrecovery.com
    (760) 758-1650 Office Line (does not accept referrals) 

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• How are MCRT services dispatched?

  Teams are deployed through calls made to the  Access and Crisis Line (888-724-7240). The dispatcher will ask questions to assess the situation for risk and safety and will send either MCRT, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) (a clinician paired with law enforcement), or law enforcement.

• Can I call MCRT for myself?

  Yes, MCRT is available for anyone who meets criteria. Callers may request help for themselves or others. The dispatcher will ask the caller questions to determine the situation and will send MCRT, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) (a clinician paired with law enforcement), or law enforcement.

• Will I get in trouble if I call for MCRT services and my situation needed something else?

  No. Dispatchers are trained to ask a series of questions designed to deploy the right services. Don’t hesitate to call if you think there might be a need.

• Will law enforcement arrive at my home if I call for MCRT services?

  It depends. While the purpose of MCRT is to provide help without involving the police, the dispatcher will ultimately decide who to send based on information provided by the caller. If there is a safety concern, law enforcement may be called.

• How does the Access and Crisis Line dispatcher know if I need MCRT or law enforcement?

  Dispatchers are trained to assess the situation and decide if MCRT, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), or law enforcement is the right response.

• What if I call for MCRT and the dispatcher determines I need law enforcement, can I cancel the request?

  The decision to send law enforcement is based on risk and safety concerns. Only law enforcement or the Access and Crisis Line can decide to cancel the request. 

• What is the response time of MCRT?

  Response times are based on the availability of a team to respond and are prioritized depending on the urgency of the call. 

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• What can I expect from MCRT when they arrive?

  MCRT will talk with the person and conduct a clinical assessment to figure out the best way to help and problem solve with the client. Services are designed to meet the individual “where they are” in a way that is responsive and respectful.

• What happens to me or my loved one after MCRT arrives?

  It depends on the symptoms the person is exhibiting and their behavior. If the person is open to receiving services, MCRT will conduct an assessment and if appropriate, provide crisis intervention services to de-escalate the situation. MCRT will explain options, offer recommendations, and can provide transportation if needed. The goal is to connect the person to the service that is best for their needs. 

• What type of service connections might an individual receive through MCRT?

  The services offered will depend on the symptoms and the behavior of the person in crisis. If someone needs more support than MCRT can offer, the team may provide transportation to a crisis stabilization unit, a walk-in urgent center, or other appropriate location. Additionally, once the person is no longer in crisis, MCRT can provide services for up to 30 days to connect them to services, such as housing supports, substance use programs, mental health clinics, etc.

• How does MCRT de-escalate a situation when someone is yelling/screaming?

  Teams are trained in de-escalation techniques. Some of the interventions include crisis counseling, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy (exploring the impact of one's thoughts on their behaviors).

• What does MCRT do if they arrive at a home and the person tells them to leave?

  MCRT will leave as individuals are not required to receive services from MCRT if they don’t wish to. If there is a safety concern, law enforcement may be called.

• What does MCRT do if they arrive and someone is acting violently, such as throwing objects or punching walls, or making verbal threats to harm others?

  If a person in crisis is threatening or behaving violently towards themselves, family members, or MCRT, the team will ask for help from Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) (a clinician paired with law enforcement), or law enforcement.