Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services Mobile Crisis Team Celebrates 30 Years of Responding to Crisis Calls 24/7 and Serving the Community

MILWAUKEE—Today, Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Milwaukee Mobile Crisis Team (MMC) celebrated its 30th Anniversary of serving the residents of Milwaukee County, by sharing a history of the team, offering testimonials, and honoring team members at an event at their headquarters at the Renaissance Place, 801 S. 60th Street, Suite 120, West Allis.

MMC is a dedicated clinical outreach team that responds to calls that come in through the county’s 24/7 Crisis Line 414-257-7222. Clinicians travel throughout the county to assess and assist people with behavioral health issues at all hours of the day, seven days a week. This includes assisting those in need, regardless of age, who may be dealing with a mental health crisis or co-occurring crisis. They approach all instances from a standpoint of patient centered care and psychological first aid. The goal of each encounter is to stabilize the crisis, link the person to any needed services, and provide follow up as is preferred/needed by the client and their family.

“While the idea of mobile crisis teams is relatively popular now, with large cities advertising their teams over the past 4-5 years, Milwaukee County is proud to note that these innovative services have been part of our continuum of care for 30 years,” said Michael Lappen, Administrator, Behavioral Health Services.

In addition to providing timely in-person services in the community, the MMC also serves as the oversight for the crisis line operations and telephone consultations. Organizations from around the county frequently contact MMC for advice, guidance, or connections to other community partners. These collaborations, when sharing subject matter expertise, allow for residents of the county to have crises best handled regardless of which system they may utilize for health care services.

“The Crisis Services of BHS are proud to continue offering this outreach as it is a great honor to be present for those we serve during their most challenging times. That is a responsibility that these dedicated public servants will continue to deliver with compassion, grace, and a focus on helping those in crisis whenever the need arises,” said Lauren Hubbard, BHS Director of Community Crisis Services.

MMC is proud to be part of the Behavioral Health Services area of Milwaukee County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). By providing these services, the team contributes to the larger strategic plan of DHHS by improving the experience of accessing services and resources in the context of “No Wrong Door” when seeking help.

Individuals and family members of any age facing a mental health or co-occurring crisis can call Milwaukee County’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 414-257-7222 to reach Milwaukee Mobile Crisis 24/7.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.