The Fragile Future of Mobile Crisis Teams: A Lifeline for Mental Health in Montana and beyond
Mobile crisis teams are rapidly becoming recognized as a vital bridge between individuals experiencing mental health crises and the often-overwhelming traditional emergency response system. But despite their proven effectiveness, these programs face a critical threat: sustainable funding. This report delves into the challenges facing MontanaS mobile crisis teams, a microcosm of a national struggle to secure the future of this essential mental healthcare resource.
A New Approach to Mental Health Emergencies
For years,law enforcement has been the default first responder for individuals in mental health crisis. This often leads to unnecessary escalation, trauma for both the individual and officers, and a strain on already burdened police resources. Mobile crisis teams offer a different path.
These teams,comprised of mental health professionals,respond directly to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. They de-escalate situations, provide on-site support, and connect individuals with appropriate care – often without involving law enforcement.
As Aaron Bolton of NPR reports, a recent call in Bozeman involved a man with a history of violence, potentially confused and upset. the crisis team, after reviewing his record, determined he was physically safe and not a threat to others. This outcome – a peaceful resolution without police intervention – is typical.
The Success Story: How Mobile Crisis Teams Work
The core principle is simple: provide specialized care before a situation escalates. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
* Dispatch: Police, firefighters, or community members can directly contact the mobile crisis team.
* Assessment: Trained professionals assess the situation, considering the individual’s history and current state.
* De-escalation: the team utilizes specialized techniques to calm the individual and reduce immediate risk.
* Connection to Care: Individuals are linked to ongoing mental health services, including therapy, medication management, and support groups.
* Follow-up: Teams often check in with individuals in the days following the initial crisis.
Ryan Mattson, a program manager, highlights the positive impact: “I think that everyone is on the same page of seeing the value that these programs bring.” The vast majority of calls are resolved without police involvement, freeing up law enforcement to focus on other emergencies.
The Funding Crisis: A System on the Brink
Despite the clear benefits, mobile crisis teams are facing a precarious financial future. Montana’s experience illustrates the systemic challenges:
* Rising Costs: Programs are proving more expensive to operate than initially projected. Bozeman’s program alone carries a $1 million annual budget.
* Insurance Reimbursement Issues: Many private insurance companies do not reimburse for mobile crisis services.
* Medicaid limitations: Medicaid, a key payer, only covers the time spent directly on a call, excluding crucial time spent on documentation and waiting for new dispatches. This creates a meaningful financial gap.
* Program Closures: Great Falls and Billings have already been forced to shutter their mobile crisis programs due to funding shortfalls, leaving only six units remaining statewide.
Angela Kimball of Inseparable, a mental health policy advocacy group, emphasizes the need for a basic shift in funding: “You need to pay for the capacity to be at the ready, just like we do for fire and police, nonetheless of whether somebody is going to be called out.”
A Patchwork of Solutions – and a call for Systemic Change
States are experimenting with various funding models, but a consistent, sustainable solution remains elusive.
* State Mandates: Some states require private insurers to cover mobile crisis care.
* Dedicated Fees: Others have implemented fees on cellphone bills to support the service.
* Local Tax Dollars: Some communities are contributing local tax revenue.
However, these approaches are fragmented and often insufficient. Heather Saunders of KFF, a nonpartisan health research organization, notes the uncertainty: “Broadly, it is kind of this patchwork, and there’s a big question as to whether these services are sustainable across states.”
Casey Schreiner,of Alluvion Health,bluntly states the need for a complete overhaul: “We need a entirely revamped system to pay for these services.” Montana health officials acknowledge the struggle and are considering increased Medicaid reimbursement rates,but many believe this is not enough.
The Core Question: Is mental Health a priority?
The future of mobile crisis teams hinges on a fundamental question: Is mental health care truly a priority for