Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services is seeking licensed Senior Mental Health Counselors for the Mobile Crisis Support Team to provide a first response crisis intervention services and supports in partnership with law enforcement to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis in the community.
Sacramento County has established the
Mobile Crisis Support Team (MCST) that consists of a senior mental health counselor in partnership with law enforcement and a peer support navigator to help maintain safety and prevent unnecessary incarcerations or hospitalizations. The MCST clinicians:
- Respond in partnership with law enforcement in a ride-a-long model to mitigate risks in the community by providing crisis intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Build upon individual, family and community strengths and skills.
- Access resources and services within the community to support safety planning.
- Mobilize authorized County Behavioral Health service providers to support de-escalation and ongoing care.
- Educate key individuals, family members or natural supports on how to improve health and wellness.
- Submit referrals to Peer support services for follow-up system navigation to ongoing care.
MCST Success Story:
MCST responded to a call from 911 dispatch. The caller reported her brother had a gun, was threatening suicide, and expressed concern he might engage in a possible physical altercation with law enforcement if approached. The MCST mental health clinician coordinated with law enforcement deputies to develop a plan for the MCST clinician to contact the individual via phone first to engage and assess. The MCST clinician was able to speak with the individual in distress to build rapport and assess for risk to self and others. An agreement from the individual was made to allow the MCST clinician and deputy to safely respond to the home. Further assessment and safety planning resulted in increased stabilization that included releasing weapons to law enforcement and contacting his psychiatrist for a follow-up appointment to address his medication and mental health needs. The MCST clinician also provided support to family members impacted, such as utilizing an alternative place to stay for the evening as part of the safety plan and providing resource options for ongoing mental health support for the daughter. Follow-up peer support services were later provided to ensure mental health services were in place to prevent relapse into crisis.
To be considered for this exciting opportunity submit your application for the position of
Senior Mental Health Counselor with Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services.
Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services is also looking to add new team members to their
Community Support Team. This team consists of Peer/Family Support Specialists and Sacramento County Mental Health Counselors who provide a mobile response to community members experiencing a crisis.
The goal of the Community Support Team is to improve the crisis and the potential need for emergency psychiatric or acute care services. The team may also assist in post-discharge from acute care services such as the Mental Health Treatment Center, or with contacts with law enforcement, emergency rooms, etc. The team will ensure there is appropriate follow‐up care, including any necessary safety plans, and will provide support and education to individuals and family members to help prevent a relapse back into crisis. To learn more about this team, check out the
Community Support Team Brochure.