County hears presentation on 24/7 Mobile Crisis Outreach Team

Scott Courson, program manager for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team at Southwest Behavioral Health, told the Washington County Commission the team provides “24/7 in-person mental health crisis support” across a five‑county area. He said MCOT deploys in two‑person teams — “that’s a therapist and a peer support specialist” — with the dual goals of diverting people from hospitalization and involving law enforcement only when necessary.

Courson described common scenarios MCOT responds to, including suicidal ideation, psychosis and youth behavioral crises, and said the team also offers immediate crisis therapy, safety planning (for example, securing medication or firearms), parent–child conflict resolution and referrals to local resources such as 2‑1‑1 and the Crisis Stabilization Center. “The easiest way is through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988,” he said, noting callers can remain anonymous and MCOT can be dispatched when an in‑person response is needed.

Commissioners pressed Courson on staffing and geographic coverage. Courson said MCOT maintains staff in both St. George and Cedar City with four people on duty across the two hubs at all times so teams can respond north or south as needed. He emphasized outreach efforts to law enforcement, schools and other community partners and described participation in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to build referral relationships.

The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Courson and urging continued public outreach so residents and partner agencies know how to contact MCOT when a crisis arises.