988 & MCOT: Life-Changing Support from Sycamores

The United States is in the midst of a mental health crisis. In 2020, for example, every 11 minutes there was a death by suicide. When it comes to getting help during a mental health crisis, there’s no time to waste — and even less room for error. But for some individuals, heading to the hospital or calling 911 isn’t always the best first approach.

Whether you’re a person experiencing a mental health crisis or close to someone who is, life-changing support can now be accessed immediately by calling or texting 9-8-8, the new nationwide three-digit Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, where caring, trained counselors will listen, evaluate needs, and determine next steps. (Individuals can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.) “Our vision, and I think the county's vision, for 988 is that it will be the number that gets called instead of 911,” says Debbie Manners, Sycamores CEO.

While some crises can be handled by phone, others require in-person support. When an in-person visit is needed, 988 will coordinate and dispatch a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) to respond within the community. Sycamores is one of the trusted agencies providing such in-person teams, comprised of highly skilled individuals who are equipped to handle sensitive situations with integrity, timeliness, efficiency, compassion and expertise, meeting people exactly where they are. Sycamores Teams serve five of LA County’s eight regions, traveling to an individual’s current location, where they conduct an evaluation and provide in-person emergency mental health services. 

MCOT Teams offer support, de-escalate the crisis and stabilize the situation, with results capable of transforming outcomes — often by minimizing involvement with law enforcement or unnecessary hospitalization. “The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team can also assess if individuals need other types of assistance, whether that's food, shelter, or mental health services,” says Alison, Lead Clinician at Sycamores.

Since the program started in October, Sycamores has completed in-person visits for more than 130 individuals. Services like safety planning, transportation to another care location, community resource connection and follow-up all aim to support individuals and help them to begin their recovery process.

And here's what makes MCOT especially unique and effective: Every team includes a Licensed Clinician and a Peer Support Specialist who has lived experience with mental health services, substance abuse, and/or homelessness, bringing a truly relatable perspective and level of empathy to the scene. “I want to make sure individuals feel like they’re getting what they need at that moment when I’m there — whatever I can give, I want to give it,” says Elizabeth, Sycamores Peer Support Specialist.