Mobile Crisis Services
Mobile crisis services are a community-based intervention designed to provide de-escalation and relief to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis wherever they are, including at home, work, school, or in the community. Mobile crisis services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of trained behavioral health professionals in the least restrictive setting. Mobile crisis services include screening, assessment, stabilization, de-escalation, follow-up, and coordination with healthcare services and other supports. Mobile crisis services are intended to provide community-based crisis resolution and reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement and emergency department utilization. The mobile crisis services benefit will ensure that Medi-Cal beneficiaries have access to coordinated crisis care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
DHCS intends to submit a State Plan Amendment to add qualifying community-based mobile crisis intervention services ("mobile crisis services") as a new Medi-Cal benefit, effective as soon as January 2023. Implementing mobile crisis services is an integral part of California's broader efforts to strengthen the continuum of community-based care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.
Please note, the mobile crisis services benefit is distinct from the Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU) funding opportunity. More information about the CCMU program is available on the
DHCS website.
Important Updates
DHCS will be sharing information on the mobile crisis benefit at upcoming stakeholder meetings including the CalAIM Behavioral Workgroup and the Tribal and Indian Health Program Representatives meeting. Please see below to register for these events."
Informational Webinars
Additional Resources
Mobile Crisis Services RFI Page
CalAIM Behavioral Health Page
