San Diego County rolls out mental health crisis team

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness and 1 in 20 experience serious mental illness.

Research says too often these symptoms and serious episodes go unchecked and too many of these people don't get the care that they need.

It's not a new problem but San Diego County may have a new solution to help.

MCRT’s response team is made up of three people: a licensed clinician who can help in a mental health crisis and is licensed for 51/50, which allows a person with a mental illness to be involuntarily detained for a 72-hour psychiatric hospitalization. A case manager who can help coordinate care after the call; and a peer specialist who has first-hand experience with these types of situations.

Here's how it works:

• In San Diego County, if you need help, you'll call Access in Crisis at 1(888)724-7240 to get a hold of the MCRT.
• In Chula Vista and National City, calls are routed from 9-1-1. There are plans in place to expand 9-1-1 integration county wide.
• The team makes an assessment at their facility before loading up their mobile care unit and heading to the call in-person.

Read the entire article here.