When a youth is experiencing a mental health crisis, it is important that the right kind of help responds quickly. That kind of help is becoming more readily available in Utah County with the new Mobile Crisis Outreach Team for youth.

“When we think of a crisis, often we think of a 911 response,” said Amanda Stansfield, Youth MCOT Program Manager for Wasatch Behavioral Health. “But, sometimes different supports are needed.”

Wasatch Behavioral Health has been running a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team for several years. “This last year, we were approached and asked to extend to a specific MCOT team for youth and families and their needs in crisis situations. When youth are in crisis, it affects the entire family, particularly when they are living in a home environment and when siblings are involved,” Stansfield said.

She added that, when we think of mental health, we often think of anxiety, depression and maybe even psychosis. With teens, it can look similar, but also there are a lot of behavioral differences. “There could be anger, maybe some assault, youth that are feeling pretty impulsive,” she said. “We often respond to youth who are not able to regulate. They may need some space and time away from family.”

The new Youth MCOT teams responds to a variety of situations including suicidal youth who are feeling like there is no hope, or highly anxious youth. “Sometimes, we reach out and safety plan with families. We’re also revving up for a new school year. Often a lot of youth just aren’t sure what that will look like for them. We help with grounding skills, safety plans,” Stansfield said.

When a call is made to the Youth MCOT, those responding include clinicians who are certified through crisis response, peer supports who are young adults who had their own mental health challenges, case managers who can provide resources to families and respite workers who can provide the family with a safe break in times of need.

In some situations, youth and parents may need a break — whether for a couple of hours or for a week — where parents know their child is safe with people who have been trained. “That is a unique thing that we offer through Wasatch Behavioral Health,” Stansfield said.

While the Youth MCOT has been in action for several weeks, it will be fully staffed beginning Aug. 1. Starting next month, it will be in force from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. The existing Youth MCOT is available 24 hours a day.

The hope is that, in the future, the Youth MCOT will expand into Saturday and Sunday coverage. Both teams are available by calling the state crisis line at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988, the newly established mental health call line.

The need is apparent. During the month of June alone, Utah County received 18 youth MCOT requests. “Our goal as an agency is always to help these families with preventative services and provide resources to keep youth with their families. Families need to be together and be healthy. This is an earlier intervention level to prevent future 911 calls and future hospital stays,” Stansfield said.

With more ways for people to get help for mental health crises, the hope is that the stigma will break down. “I’m hoping that this helps to bring a level of acceptance. I hope this brings a healthy conversation,” Stansfield said. “If you had a severe laceration, you would seek medical help. Similarly, if your brain isn’t feeling healthy right now, you should reach out for help.”

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