A behavioral health crisis is a situation in which a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors may lead them to hurt themselves or others or put them at risk of being unable to care for themselves or function in a healthy manner. A person in crisis may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or a sense of losing control. These feelings may be initiated or worsened by substance use.

The following list includes some common signs that may be associated with a mental health or substance use-related crisis:

• Changes in mood or behaviors that cause concern
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Sudden changes to hygiene and self-care practices
• Unusual thoughts, sounds, or visions that cause fear or distress 
• Sudden onset or increase of substance use
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Sense of loss or control over thoughts, feelings, emotions, or behaviors

Mobile crisis services are available to anyone in need of crisis stabilization services who is willing and able to safely engage in such services. All persons physically located within San Luis Obispo County qualify for mobile crisis services, no matter their status or circumstances.

Both MCT and MHET are contracted by the county and operated by Sierra Mental Wellness Group. The staff are caring behavioral health professionals such as licensed medical practitioners, mental health clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, and peer support specialists.

Each crisis response is tailored to the person and their current needs, but in general, the crisis team will provide de-escalation and brief crisis interventions to assist the person in stabilizing. They will also assess the individual to determine the most appropriate level of care and provide related referrals as indicated. When appropriate, the person in crisis will be provided the opportunity to participate in a crisis safety plan in which they will strategize ways to remain safe as they continue to stabilize in their own environment. They will also be provided resources to follow up with in order to continue their stabilization. Depending on the needs of the individual, the crisis team will refer them to behavioral health services and/or primary care services to most closely align with their ongoing treatment needs.

If you request the mobile crisis team, they will arrange to meet with you at a safe location within San Luis Obispo County. Upon arrival, the crisis team will meet with you to learn of your situation and help navigate options to help you remain safe. Although every situation is unique, in general the crisis team will discuss your needs, introduce interventions and strategies to decrease the distress, provide resources and referrals, and connect you with ongoing stabilization. If needed, they will help you access higher-level care treatment, including the Crisis Stabilization Unit or acute hospitalization.

No, mobile crisis services are provided on an as-needed basis. To access the mobile crisis team, call the Central Coast Hotline at 1-800-783-0607 and request mobile crisis services.

Mobile crisis services are available county-wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Mobile crisis services are provided throughout San Luis Obispo County, wherever the need arises. We will come to you or meet you at an agreed upon safe location.

No one is denied mobile crisis services due to inability to pay.

Absolutely. If there is anyone supporting you during this time, it is helpful to have them involved in the mobile crisis response. If appropriate, they may also be engaged in discussing next steps and plans for safety.

Yes. You do not need to be a resident of San Luis Obispo County to receive mobile crisis services. The only requirement is that you are currently physically located in San Luis Obispo County.

Mobile crisis services are accessible to all people in crisis, whether housed or unsheltered, and includes connections to ongoing behavioral health care and housing services when appropriate.

Yes, language interpreter services are available.