Mobile Crisis Teams
Two-person clinical teams dispatching 24/7 to homes, workplaces, schools, and anywhere in the community — providing triage, de-escalation, peer support, crisis planning, and warm hand-offs to the right level of care.
Community-based crisis intervention — wherever you are
SCAMHC's Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT) provide community-based intervention to individuals in Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, and Butler Counties experiencing a behavioral health crisis — wherever they are located. Teams are dispatched via SCAMHC's Helpline, Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinic, and MyCare iPad tablets. MCT does not restrict services to specific locations, days, or times. Teams of two respond in-person, with telemedicine support available until arrival. Follow-up services can continue for up to 72 hours after the initial response.
- Responds to homes, workplaces, schools, parks, or anywhere in the community
- Available to any individual — no prior SCAMHC enrollment required
- Can operate independently or as co-responders alongside law enforcement
- Follow-up services available for up to 72 hours after the initial response
What Mobile Crisis Teams do
Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
On-site verbal de-escalation, situational assessment, and immediate crisis resolution to reduce risk to the individual and others.
Intake & Behavioral Health Assessment
Clinical intake evaluation and Behavioral Health Placement Assessment to identify the appropriate level of care.
Peer Support Services
Certified Peer Specialists provide recovery-focused support, safety planning, and connection to community resources.
Individual & Family Counseling
On-site individual and family counseling as clinically appropriate to address the presenting crisis.
Linkage & Warm Hand-Off
Coordination and transportation to SCAMHC's Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic, outpatient services, or inpatient care as needed.
Telemedicine Support
Telephonic or telehealth support provided until in-person response arrives and as follow-up for coordination and referrals.
Fewer arrests.
Fewer ED visits.
Better outcomes.
Mobile Crisis Teams are specifically designed to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and arrests for individuals in behavioral health crisis — connecting people to appropriate care rather than the justice system or hospital emergency rooms.
MCT program objectives
Mobile Crisis Teams are designed to:
- De-escalate crisis situations and relieve immediate distress
- Reduce the risk of harm to self or others during a behavioral health crisis
- Decrease unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits
- Promote timely access to appropriate ongoing mental health or substance use services
- Prevent unnecessary incarceration by diverting individuals to treatment
MCT services are open to everyone
Mobile Crisis Team services are available to any individual in Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, or Butler County experiencing a behavioral health crisis — regardless of age, disability, or diagnosis. No prior SCAMHC enrollment is required.
- Acute behavioral health crisis — with or without a prior mental health diagnosis
- Individual or family/caregiver lacks the skills to cope and no other appropriate community supports exist
- Substantial risk of harm to self or others, or serious potential legal or safety consequences
- Individuals recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric hospitals
- Note: If physical or medical safety is an immediate concern, call 911 first. MCT is not a substitute for emergency medical services.
Call the helpline — we'll dispatch a team
Mobile Crisis Teams are requested through SCAMHC's Helpline at 1-877-530-0002. Law enforcement and emergency responders can also request MCT dispatch via MyCare iPad tablets. Teams target on-scene arrival within one hour of dispatch. If the scene cannot remain stable for that period, call 911. After EMS or law enforcement determine the person does not need the ER or jail, they can contact the helpline to request MCT.
