Philadelphia mobile crisis teams expand support to complex emergency calls

In a recent meeting of the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services held by the Philadelphia City Council, key discussions centered around the city's crisis response system, particularly the role of mobile dispatch teams in addressing mental health emergencies. The meeting highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between mental health services and law enforcement in managing complex situations.

Kenny Solanke, Senior Director of Scribe Operations for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and Dr. Lisa Colton, Director of Behavioral Health Systems, provided insights into the types of crises their teams encounter. They explained that responses can range from straightforward situations, such as individuals refusing support, to more complicated cases involving potential threats, like individuals armed with weapons or those barricaded in their rooms. The average response time for these incidents is approximately 30 minutes, but more challenging cases can extend this duration significantly.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of ongoing support for families involved in these crises. Even when mobile teams arrive and the individual in crisis is not present or refuses to engage, the teams still provide assistance to family members, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources.

A critical aspect of the meeting was the coordination between police and mental health responders. It was noted that police typically respond first to calls routed through 911, but mobile teams can be dispatched simultaneously or follow up if the call originates from the mental health crisis line, 988. This dual-response approach aims to address safety concerns while also providing mental health support.

The committee members expressed the need for better tracking of frequent callers to 911, as some individuals may require ongoing intervention. Solanke mentioned that there are systems in place to log these frequent callers, allowing for tailored responses that can help mitigate future crises.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing its crisis response framework, balancing the need for immediate safety with the provision of mental health support. As Philadelphia continues to refine its approach, the collaboration between various agencies will be crucial in ensuring effective and compassionate responses to mental health emergencies. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings to assess progress and address any unresolved issues.