New mobile units offer specialized care for mental health and substance use crises in San Mateo County
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County has launched a mobile response team meant to provide 24/7 help to anyone experiencing mental health or substance use crises, a major step to strengthen mental health support. Available via the San Mateo County Crisis Line, this unique service intends to offer in-person, professional assistance at any hour of the day, all year round.
Distressed residents can reach this help by calling 650-579-0350. The service lets people ask for support not just for themselves but also for a family member or acquaintance in need. After a call is placed, trained in crisis assessment the line’s operators will assess the circumstances and send out a team of behavioral health experts. Arriving in unmarked cars to provide privacy and discretion, these doctors are experts in crisis management and de-escalation strategies.
These mobile units’ main objectives are to stabilize on-site circumstances and, if required, help people move to appropriate care institutions. This could involve organizing transfers to guarantee they get the required degree of care right away or direct transportation. The team also offers follow-up assistance within 24 hours of the first intervention, enabling patients to find both short-term and long-term therapy possibilities and create a safety plan for avoiding the subsequent crises.
This service reflects a change from conventional law enforcement reactions to mental health crises. Advocated by county officials and mental health experts, the strategy aims to handle mental health crises with specialized care instead of police involvement, which can sometimes escalate conflict. This not only offers more suitable help for those in discomfort but also lets police use their efforts for other pressing local concerns.
The San Mateo County Crisis Line should not be used in place of emergency services. In life-threatening situations, residents are advised to call 911 for quick help or contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for additional assistance.
This service’s launch follows the Board of Supervisors’ decision in February 2024 to accept a roughly $5 million contract with Telecare Corp. working with local nonprofit StarVista. While Telecare offers the healthcare personnel, StarVista operates the contact center operations.
The mobile crisis response team has been deployed 320 times and has serviced 220 clients from its experimental phase from May 2024 through March 2025. The program aspires to respond in 60 minutes in central county areas and up to 90 minutes in more distant, coastside locations.
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San Mateo County will start an outreach campaign in May, during Mental Health Month, as part of a larger effort to increase awareness among the public. Developed with significant community involvement, this campaign guarantees that locals are completely informed about the accessibility of these vital services.
Dr. Jei Africa, director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, said, “We want to make sure it’s clear that no matter when or where in the county you are dealing with a behavioral health crisis, there is appropriate support available, and it can come to you when you need it most.”
