Crisis Response Team (CRT)

The Crisis Response Team responds to calls to 911 that involve a mental health-related emergency — when someone may be showing signs of being a risk to themselves or others. This specialized team arrives on scene to de-escalate the crisis, provide care and connect individuals to support in the least restrictive way possible.

About the Crisis Response Team

The Crisis Response Team includes specially trained paramedics and behavioral health navigators. Depending on the situation, they may co-respond with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)-trained law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of all involved.

What CRT Does:

De-escalates on-scene crises involving individuals displaying signs of being a risk to themselves or others.
Performs both medical and clinical assessments to evaluate mental and physical needs.
Stabilizes individuals in place to avoid unnecessary hospitalization or arrest.
Works with families or caregivers to develop safety plans and support networks.
Connects individuals to community-based care and long-term behavioral health services.

By providing expert, on-site crisis care, CRT supports individuals in a way that prioritizes safety, dignity and recovery — right where they are.

FAQs

What kind of training do Mobile Integrated Healthcare personnel have?

All MIH team members hold professional licenses or certifications specific to their roles and have experience in crisis response:

Clinicians have a master’s degree in a mental health field and are licensed professionals (LPC, LADC, LMFT, or LCSW).
Response navigators have degrees in mental health and certifications from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Paramedics are licensed emergency responders with specialized behavioral health training.
Peer recovery support specialists are certified professionals with lived experience in recovery, trained to help others navigate similar challenges.

What are the benefits of an alternative response model like Mobile Integrated Healthcare?

MIH helps people in crisis receive care in the community, often avoiding unnecessary hospital trips or interactions with law enforcement. This reduces strain on emergency services and helps individuals access long-term support and resources. By stabilizing people where they are and connecting them with the most appropriate services, MIH promotes recovery and reduces the chances of future crises.

How does Mobile Integrated Healthcare work with other mental health organizations?

MIH collaborates with local mental health providers, nonprofit agencies and social services organizations to connect residents with ongoing care. After an initial response, team members may refer individuals to services that support long-term recovery, housing stability, healthcare access and more.

How did the City determine that Mobile Integrated Healthcare was needed?

The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program originates from work that began in 2020 with the creation of the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force and the Community Policing Working Group. The result of the meaningful work and collaboration of these two groups was the Recommendation Report(PDF, 2MB) received by Council in March 2022. From that report, the Public Safety Partnership was formed to ensure a sustained focus on the implementation of those recommendations. The Public Safety Partnership continues to be a collaboration among community stakeholders, city council, OKCPD, OKCFD and residents to advance public safety for the Oklahoma City community.

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