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PRESS RELEASE. From San Mateo County Executive’s Office on April, 24th, 2025.
San Mateo County residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can now call for 24/7 in-person support from a mobile response team of mental health clinicians (Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)) able to connect them to appropriate services. Callers to the San Mateo County Crisis Line at 650-579-0350 can request help for a family member, friend or anyone (including themselves) experiencing or at risk of a behavioral health crisis. Once calls are screened, the hotline will dispatch behavioral health care professionals trained in crisis assessment, de-escalation and intervention.
They will arrive in nondescript vehicles – no lights and sirens – around-the-clock, any day of the year with the goal of stabilizing situations and, if necessary, taking individuals or arranging transportation to the appropriate level of care. Follow-up support is provided within 24 hours of the initial response, facilitating connections to short- and long-term treatment options and assisting in the development of a safety plan to prevent future crises.
The service provides an alternative to traditional law enforcement response. Many County leaders, along with advocates for those with mental illness, have advocated for an approach to responding to those in a mental or behavioral health crisis without law enforcement’s involvement. This is seen as a way to deescalate situations and free up public safety personnel for other duties.
The San Mateo County Crisis Line does not replace other forms of support. Residents should call 911 for an immediate police, fire or medical response for a life-threatening emergency. They can also call or text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
In February 2024, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution that awarded a nearly $5 million contract to Telecare Corp., to work with local nonprofit StarVista to operate the response system. StarVista operates the call center, while Telecare provides the mental health clinicians.
During the pilot phase from May 2024 through March 2025, the mobile crisis response team has been deployed 320 times, serving 220 clients.Â
Response times within 60 minutes are expected in central county areas and 90 minutes in coastside regions.
In May, as part of Mental Health Month, the County is launching an outreach campaign, developed with community input, to raise awareness of this service and how to access it.
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.”
Help during a mental health crisis, substance use issue or thoughts of suicide is available any time by calling 650-579-0350.
Audrey Davis, Communications Specialist, [email protected]
More on the Half Moon Bay/MidCoast Crisis Assistance Response & Evaluation Services (CARES) Program versus San Mateo County Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) on Coastside Buzz
San Mateo County Begins to Rollout Non-Armed Mobile Mental Health Crisis Response Countywide; February 29, 2024
San Mateo County Supervisors Explore the Future of Public Service Mental Health Response ~ Integrating 911 with Mobile Mental Health and Crisis Services; December 14, 2023
Police Shootings Lead to City of HMB Partnership with El Centro de Libertad to Create the Crisis Assistance Response & Evaluation Services (CARES) Program; September 1, 2022
City of Half Moon Bay Celebrates Launch of Crisis Assistance Response and Evaluation Services (CARES) Pilot Program; March 17, 2022
The City Council of Half Moon Bay is the City’s governing body, and consists of five elected members. The Council sets priorities and policies, makes final decisions on all major City matters, adopts ordinances and resolutions, appoints the City Manager and City Attorney, and approves the annual budget.
The Half Moon Bay City Council typically meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month starting at 7:00pm at the Ted Adcock Community Center, 535 Kelly Avenue.
City Council Contact
Phone: (650) 726-8250 (leave message with Clerk’s office)
Mayor Robert Brownstone, District 1; Term ends 2026
[email protected]
Vice Mayor Debbie Ruddock, District 4; Term ends 2026
[email protected]
Councilmember Deborah Penrose, District 5, Term ends 2026
[email protected]
Councilmember Patric Bo Jonsson, District 2, Term Ends 2028
[email protected]
Councilmember Paul Nagengast, District 3; Term Ends 2028
[email protected]
Author: mdrag
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