Supervisor Simitian championed the expansion of several mobile mental health crisis response programs so residents in the North County and West Valley have easier access to services. The County’s mobile crisis service programs include the following:
- Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) – A County-operated program in which mental health clinicians work closely with law enforcement and are dispatched to the scene when people in crisis have mental health symptoms, especially if they are suicidal and/or need an evaluation for psychiatric hospitalization. Simitian proposed a program expansion that includes a four-person team based in the North County and specialized training to respond to the needs of transitional age youth (16 to 24 years old).
- Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) – A crisis intervention model that pairs a licensed mental health clinician with a law enforcement officer to respond to calls in real time involving people in active, acute mental health crises. Simitian advocated for the County’s partnership with the Palo Alto Police Department.
- Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST) - A community-driven mobile mental health crisis response team composed of specially trained community residents including those who have first-hand experience with mental health challenges; crisis intervention specialists; and first aid provider/responders. TRUST teams are different from other County-supported mental health crisis response teams, as they respond without involving law enforcement.
- Mobile Response Stabilization Service (operated by Pacific Clinics) – 24/7 in-person or phone crisis counseling support to children, youth, and young adults (through age 21) who are in a non-life threatening acute psychological/emotional crisis. Simitian proposed expanding services for those who are up to age 21.
