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Mobile Crisis Response presenters offer 24/7 school‑based response option to St. Landry Parish
Summary
Presenters from Extra Mile described a mobile crisis response program that provides 24/7 crisis calls and on‑site teams (clinician plus peer support) and said services are free to schools through Medicaid/state reimbursement and an MOU; the board asked for example MOUs and implementation details.
Natalie Dove, program manager for Mobile Crisis Response with the Extra Mile in Lafayette, told the St. Landry Parish School Board’s committee of the whole that her team operates a 24/7 crisis line and mobile response units that pair a licensed clinician with a peer support specialist to respond to youth and adult mental‑health crises.
“My name is Natalie Dove. I am a licensed clinical social worker and the program manager for mobile crisis response,” Dove said, explaining teams conduct crisis assessments, develop safety plans and try to arrange treatment “in the least restrictive environment.” She said that with an MOU the teams could come onto campuses to support students, staff and families and provide up to 72 hours of follow‑up plus additional brief crisis support when needed.
The presentation emphasized that the service is free to individuals: Dove said the program bills Medicaid and that state funds cover those without insurance; she added that the governor recently signed legislation requiring private insurers to cover similar services. Jamie Chandler, who identified herself with Mobile Crisis Response, described the peer support role and noted peers work with parents while clinicians engage with students and school staff.
Board members asked for a model memorandum of understanding and operational details about on‑campus assessments, confidentiality and how the program would integrate with existing school threat‑assessment and suicide‑risk procedures. Dove said she had provided a sample MOU to the superintendent and offered a St. Landry‑specific draft; she said staff would not supplant school processes and that parent participation is required for campus assessments.
Dove also described safety practices and coordination with law enforcement when necessary, and said teams try to avoid involving police unless a real threat exists. Trustees asked whether the program serves staff as well; Dove said adults can receive the same short‑term crisis support and, when appropriate, 14‑day follow‑up services.
The committee did not take formal action at the presentation; trustees asked staff to circulate the sample MOU and implementation details so the board can evaluate contracting and privacy procedures before any campus pilot or MOU approval.
