DMHAS packet notes launch of Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) tied to 988; Cape May agencies alerted

The New Jersey Department of Human Services — Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) included a March 2025 update in the MHADA packet announcing the launch of Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) on March 3, 2025. MCORT is a statewide program intended to provide voluntary, in‑person response for adults (18 and older) who contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and whose assessments indicate an in‑person response is appropriate.

DMHAS materials state MCORT teams are designed as two‑member in‑person teams (a trained peer‑support specialist and a bachelor’s‑level mental‑health professional) with a master’s‑level clinician providing clinical oversight, frequently remotely. The teams will be dispatched from 988 without law enforcement when it is deemed safe to do so. The packet lists current operating hours as 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday through Friday, in all 21 counties; DMHAS says the program will expand toward statewide 24/7 availability once fully operational.

Why it matters: MCORT expands non‑police crisis response capacity tied to the federally designated 988 Lifeline, potentially changing first‑responder patterns and referral routes for adults experiencing mental‑health or substance‑use crises. MHADA and local providers were supplied the DMHAS update as part of routine correspondence.

Discussion versus action: The MCORT announcement was included as informational material in the March 2025 DMHAS updates distributed to MHADA; no formal MHADA action was recorded in the Feb. 11 minutes. The packet also included a schedule of upcoming BH integration provider trainings and notice that Community Support Services (CSS) site visits will begin in January 2025.

Clarifying details: MCORT referral comes from a 988 crisis counselor assessment and is voluntary; individuals must consent to an in‑person meeting. DMHAS described team composition (peer specialist + bachelor’s‑level clinician; master’s‑level oversight) and current weekday operating hours. The packet directs providers to DMHAS BH Integration resources and lists contact email Dmahs.behavioralhealth@dhs.nj.gov for follow up.

Next steps for local providers: MHADA member agencies and Cape May County providers may use the DMHAS contact and BH Integration training links included in the packet to register for upcoming trainings and to learn how to use MCORT referrals via the 988 Lifeline.