Who Should You Call? Mobile Crisis Teams vs. Emergency Services Explained
In times of crisis, knowing the right emergency service to call can make a critical difference in outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. While 911, police, and emergency medical services (EMS) play a vital role in crisis response, Mobile Crisis Teams (MCTs) offer a specialized approach that can be more effective in mental and behavioral health emergencies. Understanding when to use MCTs versus other emergency services ensures the best possible care and reduces unnecessary hospitalizations or law enforcement interventions.
What Are Mobile Crisis Teams
MCTs are community-based, multidisciplinary teams that provide immediate, on-site crisis intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Typically composed of mental health professionals, social workers, and peer support specialists, MCTs are trained to de-escalate situations and connect individuals to appropriate care without involving law enforcement unless necessary. Many MCTs operate 24/7, responding in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and incarcerations.
When to Use MCTs
MCTs are most appropriate in situations where:
• An individual is experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, or severe anxiety, but is not an immediate danger to themselves or others.
• A person needs urgent mental health support but does not have a life-threatening medical condition.
• De-escalation and emotional support are required rather than law enforcement intervention.
• The crisis involves someone having a mental health episode who needs a tailored response rather than emergency detention.
• A person is in distress due to substance use, with behavioral health as the primary concern rather than immediate medical intervention.
When to Use Other Emergency Services
While MCTs are highly effective, there are situations where traditional emergency services may be more appropriate:
Medical Emergencies: If an individual has overdosed, sustained serious self-inflicted injuries, or is experiencing a medical crisis along with a mental health emergency, EMS should be called.
Immediate Threat of Violence: If an individual is actively violent, carrying a weapon, or poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, law enforcement may be necessary to secure the scene before mental health professionals can intervene.
Lack of MCT Availability: MCTs are not yet available in all regions or at all hours. In these cases, calling 911 and requesting a crisis intervention-trained (CIT) officer may be an alternative.
Severe Impairment or Unresponsiveness: If an individual is unresponsive or in acute psychosis where they cannot care for themselves, hospitalization through EMS may be the best option.
The Impact of MCTs
Research has shown that MCTs reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and law enforcement involvement in mental health crises. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), up to 70% of mental health crisis situations can be resolved without hospitalization when MCTs intervene. A study published in Psychiatric Services found that mobile crisis response teams reduced emergency department utilizationby 23% in communities where they were implemented.
Cities that integrate MCTs into emergency response systems report reductions in use-of-force incidents and better connections to ongoing mental health treatment. For example, in Denver’s STAR program (Support Team Assisted Response), nearly 1,400 calls were handled by MCTs in its first six months, with no arrests necessary in those cases.
Conclusion
Choosing the right emergency response service ensures individuals in crisis receive the best care. MCTs provide a compassionate, effective alternative to traditional emergency responses for mental health and substance use crises, reducing hospitalizations and unnecessary law enforcement involvement. However, when safety, medical emergencies, or violent behavior are factors, traditional emergency services remain necessary. Expanding MCT availability and integrating them more fully into emergency response systems can help create a more effective and humane approach to mental health crises.
For more information on MCTs in your area, check your state’s mental health department or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) for crisis resources.