From Crisis to Care: Why Mobile Crisis Teams Are Worth the Investment
When someone has a mental health crisis, it’s important to get the right kind of help. But too often, people end up in ambulances, emergency rooms, or with the police—places that aren’t always the best for handling these situations. Mobile crisis teams (MCTs) are changing this. These teams are trained to help people right where they are, and they save communities a lot of money by cutting down on police responses, ambulance rides, and emergency room visits. Mobile crisis teams (MCTs) offers an effective way to address mental health challenges while fostering stronger, more resilient communities both socially and economically.
Police are often the first to respond to mental health emergencies, but this isn’t always the best solution. Officers aren’t mental health experts, and sometimes their presence can make a tough situation worse. Mobile crisis teams take over in these situations, letting police focus on other important jobs. This helps save cities money too. When police spend less time on mental health calls, communities spend less on overtime and other related costs. In some places, mobile crisis teams have reduced police involvement in these cases by 25-50%, saving both time and money for our police departments.
Ambulance rides are expensive. Each trip can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200 or more. Many times, when someone is having a mental health crisis, they don’t actually need to go to the hospital in an ambulance. Mobile crisis teams can show up, assess the situation, and assist the person with the help they may need without the need for a costly ride. This not only saves money but also keeps ambulances free for true medical emergencies.
Emergency rooms (ERs) are not necessarily the best place for mental health care, but they are often where people in crisis end up. An ER visit can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Mobile crisis teams step in before it gets to that point, helping people on-site so they may not need to go to the hospital unless they need emergency medical services. In places with strong mobile crisis programs, the savings add up. For example, a program in Oregon saved almost $1 million a year by keeping people out of the ER. This also helps hospitals by reducing wait times and keeping beds available for people with serious emergency medical needs.
Mobile crisis teams (MCTs) require funding to establish and maintain, but the return on investment is undeniable. These teams provide financial savings at both the individual and community levels, while also addressing the growing need for effective, compassionate mental health care.
Cities like Eugene, Oregon, and Denver, Colorado, provide compelling examples of the success of MCTs. Eugene’s CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) program has been operating for over 30 years, saving the city an estimated $8.5 million annually in public safety and healthcare costs. Similarly, Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program saved hundreds of thousands of dollars within its first year by diverting non-violent mental health calls away from police and emergency services.
Investing in mobile crisis teams isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic, forward-thinking decision. These programs not only save money but also create safer, healthier communities by providing effective, compassionate care during mental health crises. They reduce reliance on overburdened emergency systems, improve public trust, and offer individuals the help they truly need. For community leaders, public health professionals, and policymakers, MCTs represent a powerful tool for addressing mental health challenges while strengthening the social and economic fabric of their communities.