Our Mobile Crisis Response Team makes a difference by helping stabilize youth and adults in mental health crisis and connecting them to ongoing care and resources.

About Mobile Crisis Response Services 

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health has partnered with Family Service Agency of the Central Coast with the C.R.I.S.E.S. grant to support expanded after hour services.  Our Mobile Crisis Response Teams provide culturally responsive and clinically appropriate services in the community. We respond quickly to urgent behavioral health emergencies to help stabilize youth, support families and provide linkages to additional services. We help remove barriers to access by meeting individuals where they are, whether that’s a park, school, or other safe site like a faith-based location. 

County Behavioral Health has leveraged additional funding from the Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU) grants, California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) grants, and Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) Innovation Project to further improve mobile crisis services staffing and infrastructure.

 

Request Mobile Crisis Response Services
  • If you or someone you know needs support in a time of crisis, call 1-800-952-2335 and follow the prompts for mobile crisis services.   
  • Mobile Crisis Response Team services are available 24/7 to all Santa Cruz County residents.
Our Service Model

Our goal is to be a trusted ally in promoting resilience and healing in our community. We are committed to providing person-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. We offer a swift and compassionate response tailored to the unique needs of our community. 

In partnership with Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, our 1-800-952-2335 helpline is staffed 24/7 by mental health professionals with expertise in de-escalating mental health crises and connecting callers to immediate help and local resources for ongoing care.

Immediate Response

  • 24/7 Availability: Our team is available around the clock to respond to mental health and substance use crises.
  • Rapid Assessment: On-site evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care and intervention.

Crisis Intervention

  • De-escalation Techniques: Specialized training in calming techniques to reduce the risk of harm.
  • Safety Planning: Collaborative development of personalized safety plans to ensure ongoing stability.

Community-Based Support

  • Connection to Resources: Linking individuals to community resources, including mental health services, housing, and medical care.
  • Follow-up Care: Ensuring continuity of care through follow-up visits and coordination with other service providers.

Specialized Training

  • Mandated Reporting: Training on legal requirements for reporting abuse or neglect.
  • Crisis Management Theories: Understanding various models and principles of crisis intervention.
  • Mental Status Exam: Conducting comprehensive assessments to differentiate between psychiatric and medical conditions.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Addressing the impact of trauma and implementing trauma-informed practices.
  • Substance Use: Recognizing and addressing substance use disorders.
  • Working with Special Populations: Tailoring interventions to meet the needs of diverse populations.
  • Legal & Ethical Issues: Navigating legal and ethical challenges in crisis situations.

Collaboration and Coordination

  • Interagency Collaboration: Working closely with law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other community partners.

Documentation and Reporting

  • Electronic Health Records (EHR): Comprehensive documentation in EHRs to ensure accurate and timely information sharing.
  • Incident Reporting: Adhering to protocols for incident reporting and follow-up documentation.
Mobile Crisis Support: What to Expect

Professional and Compassionate Interaction

  • After selecting "mobile crisis services" on our phone system, you will be greeted promptly and warmly by our trained call taker.
  • Calm and Reassuring Demeanor:  The call taker will maintain a calm and reassuring tone to help put you at ease during the call.

Gathering of Essential Information

  • Personal Details: You will be asked for basic information, such as your name, location, and contact information.
  • Description of the Crisis: The call taker will ask you to describe the nature of the crisis to understand the situation better.
  • Immediate Safety Concerns: You will be asked about any immediate safety concerns or threats to ensure the right level of response.

Support and Guidance

  • Crisis De-escalation Tips: The call taker may provide immediate tips to help de-escalate the situation if it's safe to do so.
  • Connecting to Resources: The call taker will inform you about available resources and support, including mental health services and community programs.

Coordination of Mobile Crisis Response

  • Dispatching of Crisis Team: If needed, the call taker will coordinate with the mobile crisis team to dispatch responders to your location.
  • Providing ETA: You will be given an estimated time of arrival for the crisis team.

Follow-Up and Documentation

  • Ensuring Continuity: The call taker will ensure that your call and all relevant details are documented properly for follow-up and coordination with other services.
  • Feedback and Support: You will have the opportunity to provide feedback or ask for additional support if needed.

 

Resources

Walk-in crisis services are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:
1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. F, Watsonville, CA 95076

  Dial 2-1-1 for free information about health services in your community. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call, text, or chat 988 for free, non-judgmental support with mental health, substance use, or if you just need to talk. Available 24/7.  www.988lifeline.org 
  Mental Health Pocket Guide: Local resources for community members who may be experiencing mental health crises or challenges.
 If you have a medical emergency or are in immediate danger to yourself or others,
call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.