Last December, Sycamores proudly expanded its mobile crisis response services to Riverside County. With over a year of experience providing similar services in Los Angeles County, our team was well-prepared and enthusiastic about extending our crisis outreach program to the Inland Empire.
Sycamores Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT), working in partnership with Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH), offers in-person emergency behavioral health services for those facing mental health or substance-related crises. Sycamores is spearheading the newly added evening and overnight shifts from 7:30 PM to 8:30 AM for the entire county. This expansion ensures help is available whenever it’s needed – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Riverside County residents can now count on round-the-clock mobile crisis response support.
Responding to calls directed to the Crisis & Suicide Intervention HELPline 951-686-HELP (4357) during overnight hours, we provide on-site support when needed, with the goal being to de-escalate and stabilize situations, and minimize law enforcement or hospitalization involvement whenever feasible.
Each team includes a Licensed Clinician or Licensed Psychiatric Technician and a Peer Support Specialist. A Peer Support Specialist is someone who has lived experience with mental health services, substance abuse, and/or homelessness. They bring first-hand insight into what the individual in crisis and their families may be experiencing.
The Mobile Crisis Response Teams are equipped to handle a wide array of mental health emergencies. From addressing suicidal thoughts to managing substance overdose situations, their intervention is pivotal in de-escalating crises and steering individuals away from unnecessary emergency department visits, psychiatric hospitalizations, and law enforcement involvement. The teams evaluate the individual in “crisis” in the field and provide timely support including crisis stabilization, safety planning, transportation, connections to community resources, and follow up support.
“Often our teams follow up with the family to ensure they have the tools and resources they need,” said Jana Lord, Sycamores Chief Operating Officer. “Our goal is to remove barriers to getting help and prevent future crisis situations, so sometimes that means helping make follow up appointments. It is a simple thing – but it can make all the difference.”
We’re proud to offer this vital service to Riverside County residents and remain committed to providing compassionate support to those in need.
