Topic: Crisis Care

This training is a companion training to the PICS Mobile Crisis for Behavioral Health Professionals. In this training we will focus on the significant role that Peer Support staff encompass on a mobile crisis team, and how to effectively and ethically build a Mobile Crisis Team that is comprised of Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs – licensed clinical staff) and thoroughly training Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHAs) & Qualified Behavioral Aides (QBAs). There is a common misconception that behavioral health crises can only be managed by clinically licensed staff; however, research brought to us by the 2020 Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care Best Practice Toolkit, shows us that incorporating Peer Support staff can be a safe and effective program mechanism for reducing suicide risk for persons in crisis. Additionally, allowing thoroughly trained QMHA and QBA level staff to actively participate in a Mobile Crisis Team can increase the ability of programs to create and operate highly effective Mobile Crisis Teams to be available for when our community members need them most.

Crisis services are for anyone, anywhere and at anytime. The best strategy for preventing tragedies within our communities is to have a comprehensive and thoroughly integrated first line of defense. According to the 2020 Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care Best Practice Toolkit, there are three Core Elements to a crisis system: (1) Regional Crisis Call Center, (2) Crisis Mobile Team Response, and (3) Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Facilities. Utilizing SAMHSA’s crisis care resources, this training will review best practices for mobile crisis teams, from both national and state level standards, in addition to staffing and training guidelines. Lastly, presenters will identify the proposed requirements to become a Designated Mobile Crisis Team in Nevada.