Mobile crisis teams transform mental health response in Utah

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant impact of Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOTs) in Utah, highlighting their role in addressing mental health and substance use crises. MCOTs, which consist of licensed therapists and peer support specialists, operate in unmarked vehicles to provide discreet assistance to individuals in distress, aiming to stabilize situations without the stigma often associated with police involvement.

The teams are available 24/7 and can be deployed through various channels, including 911 and local behavioral health services. Their approach not only helps individuals avoid potential trauma from police interactions but also reduces the burden on law enforcement, allowing officers to focus on other pressing matters. Each MCOT costs approximately $1 million annually, a cost shared between state and county budgets, but officials assert that the program ultimately saves taxpayer money by preventing costly emergency room visits and jail time.

Data presented during the meeting revealed that last year, MCOTs served over 97,000 individuals, providing around 32,000 services. Most interventions were successful in keeping individuals in their homes, with only 1% resulting in arrests. The teams primarily respond to cases involving suicidal risks and situational stress, demonstrating their effectiveness in crisis stabilization.

Concerns were raised about the long-term sustainability of the program, with officials acknowledging that while MCOTs provide immediate support, ongoing treatment is essential for lasting recovery. The meeting also touched on the need for better community awareness of these services, emphasizing the importance of education for both the public and law enforcement on when to utilize MCOTs.

As the discussion concluded, officials expressed gratitude for the support received thus far and called for continued investment in mental health resources, including the expansion of receiving centers and mobile crisis teams, to enhance the overall mental health response in Utah.