Mobile Mental Health Response Teams Move Forward In SMC

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve funding for a new mobile mental health crisis response team in San Mateo County.

According to the county, the program will stand up a mobile response team staffed with specialists trained in de-escalation techniques as an alternative to armed members of law enforcement responding to mental or behavioral health crises.

"This alternative response model is another huge step in making sure community members get the appropriate, person-centered response when and where they need it," said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who sponsored a study session on non-armed mental health response last year. "I'm thrilled to be a part of making this critical resource available to our community as our work in this space continues."

The Board of Supervisors approved a $5 million contract with Telecare Corp., which will work with the nonprofit StarVista to set up a call center. Once the hotline is active, residents can call 650-573-0350 to request help for themselves or family and friends experiencing a mental health crisis.

Dispatchers will send clinicians trained in de-escalation, intervention and crisis assessment techniques to respond to calls around the clock. According to the county, responders will arrive in nondescript vehicles and work to stabilize situations and connect people with appropriate care. Members will also be equipped with the overdose treatment Narcan.

"This is [a] 24/7 unarmed response meant to keep individuals in crisis who are not a danger to themselves or others out of our emergency rooms and jails," said Supervisor David J. Canepa. "I see this as the first step in really ramping up and elevating unarmed mobile crisis response throughout the county for generations to come."

According to the county's timeline, partial service will begin in May with one team available to take evening weekday calls. In August, five teams will be staffed to respond to calls 24/7, supported by two on-call teams. Officials expect response times within an hour for central San Mateo County and 90 minutes in coastside communities.