Mobile crisis teams are a lifeline for those in psychiatric distress, but their existence is under threat. A shocking revelation: these teams, which assist police in mental health emergencies, are themselves in crisis.
Imagine a snowy day in Bozeman, Montana, where a man wanders shoeless in the cold. A mobile crisis team, including therapist Luke Forney and responder Evan Thiessen, is dispatched to help. This team has significantly reduced police involvement in mental health calls, a growing trend nationwide. But here's where it gets controversial: despite their effectiveness, these teams face a funding crisis.
A national movement gains traction. Across the US, communities are turning to mobile crisis teams instead of police for psychiatric emergencies. A 2024 survey identified over 1,800 such teams, but many are struggling due to inconsistent funding. The strategy, which began in the 1980s, has gained momentum in the last decade, sparked by tragic incidents of police violence against those in crisis. Most officers lack training for such situations, leading to a third of fatal police shootings involving individuals in crisis.
A critical service, but at what cost? Crisis response teams are trained to de-escalate and provide therapeutic care. In Bozeman, the team's intervention kept a man safe at home, avoiding an ER visit or jail time. Yet, the cost of running these teams is substantial, with Bozeman's team requiring $1 million annually. The challenge lies in securing reliable funding, as police departments are funded by local taxpayers, while mobile crisis teams lack a consistent source.
A complex funding landscape. Health insurance and Medicaid are potential funding sources, but they often fall short. Private insurers frequently deny reimbursement for mobile crisis services, and Medicaid reimbursement varies by state. In Montana, Medicaid only covers time spent on calls, not the additional hours spent documenting or waiting for the next call. This leaves teams scrambling for grants and other funding sources.
A call for action. Some states have mandated private insurer coverage and implemented fees to support these teams. However, Montana hasn't followed suit, and its mobile crisis programs face challenges. Program managers find accessing state funding cumbersome, and teams struggle to stay afloat. The state's mental health system overhaul could be jeopardized if more teams shut down, as the psychiatric hospital is already overwhelmed.
The future of mobile crisis teams. Montana aims to join a federal pilot program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which require 24/7 mobile crisis services. But rural communities may struggle to meet this demand. The question remains: will Montana prioritize funding for these vital services? And what does this mean for the future of mental health care?
This thought-provoking issue invites discussion: should mobile crisis teams be a state priority? Share your thoughts and let's explore the complexities of this critical yet underfunded service.
