Q: Is the MCT law enforcement?
A: No, the Mobile Crisis Team is not law enforcement. However, the team may be requested to respond to calls with Police and Fire Department personnel as many crisis calls start with a call to 911. You can reach the MCT to request a field response or for a consultation, by calling their direct line, (310) 253-5770.
Q: Is there a cost for MCT services? Will I receive a bill for services or transportation?
A: The MCT is a service provided by Culver City to all residents at no personal cost. No individual will receive a bill for services provided by the MCT.
Q: Do I have to have any information ready when I call the MCT?
A: Yes. When calling MCT, please be ready to provide the following: Basic demographics including person’s name, DOB, gender, ethnicity, and a description. Please also provide addresses, phone numbers, and contact information of the caller and the individual in crisis. MCT will also ask about the nature of the crisis, and explore medical and psychiatric history, diagnoses, medications, substance use, prior or current violent behavior, and weapons/access to weapons.
Q: Who is on the MCT?
A: The MCT includes mental health specialists, clinicians, and case managers. These mental health professionals and paraprofessionals provide direct assistance and referrals to resources as needed.
Q: What happens after I call the MCT?
A: After receiving your call, the MCT will travel in an unmarked mobile service van to an individual’s location in order to assess the person in need. Once they meet with and evaluate the individual, the team will connect them to appropriate mental health resources and support.
Q: How long will MCT take to respond?
A: Response times vary and are dependent on the number of calls pending. The MCT aims to respond in the field within 1 hour of the crisis response request.
Q: What happens if I call the MCT and then decide I don’t want help?
A: If at any point the person no longer desires services, so long as they are physically safe and not endangering themselves or others, the MCT will leave. If a person’s physical safety or the safety of those around them is at risk, then MCT may have to request the presence of law enforcement in order to protect their safety, and the safety of the Culver City community.
Q: Does the MCT provide housing?
A: No. The MCT’s primary role is to respond to mental health crises in the community, and to provide referrals to the Culver City Department of Housing and Human Services. However, MCT may refer those in need of housing resources and programs, including opportunities for interim and permanent housing.
Q: Who does the MCT help? Can a child call the MCT?
A: The MCT responds to Culver City individuals of all ages, including school-aged young people and the elderly.
Q: Do the teams provide services in languages other than English?
A: Most services are provided in English, but MCT staff have the ability to access interpretation services.
Q: What type of service referrals might an individual receive through MCT? What type of follow up care does MCT provide?
A: MCT provides referrals for inpatient/outpatient mental health care, including psychotherapy, psychiatric medication evaluations, and substance use treatment. Other referrals include medical, food, shelter, and government programs/assistance.