San Diego City Wire

The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) program in San Diego County marks its fourth anniversary, having significantly expanded since its inception as a pilot project in January 2021. Initially handling 131 calls in its first year, the program has responded to over 7,000 calls between July 2023 and June 2024.

The response teams consist of trained personnel who assist individuals experiencing behavioral health crises by assessing their needs and finding ways to de-escalate situations without law enforcement involvement. Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services, stated, "These teams are effectively meeting those in crisis where they are and stabilize more than 50% of cases in the field, reducing stress on law enforcement."

Since the program began, it has grown from two teams to 44 and expanded its services across the region. Notably, since November 2024, MCRT teams have been equipped to respond to crises involving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade across all school districts.

The MCRT is designed to handle non-violent behavioral health crises that do not involve medical emergencies. The teams provide assessments and utilize crisis intervention techniques while connecting individuals with necessary services and resources.

This anniversary coincides with Mental Health Month. Additionally, a new development includes the implementation of the 988-crisis line phone number for regional use. As mandated by the Federal Communications Commission starting January 13th, cellphone carriers must route these calls directly to local specialized teams instead of a transfer center.

The Access and Crisis Line offers support in over 200 languages.