Healing in the Community: How Colusa County's Mobile Crisis Teams Are Redefining Behavioral Health Care
- Colusa County Recovery
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
COLUSA (September 22, 2025) - In a world where mental health crises often lead to emergency rooms or police involvement, Colusa County is taking a proactive and compassionate approach. Colusa County Behavioral Health (CCBH) has implemented the statewide Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Care Services Benefit, a groundbreaking initiative that is changing how our community addresses urgent mental health needs by bringing trained professionals directly to the person in crisis.
"The Mobile Crisis Care Services Benefit is a critical step forward for our community," says Tony Hobson, Ph.D., Director of Colusa County Behavioral Health. "It allows us to provide the right care, in the right moment, to avoid unnecessary hospitalization. By bringing behavioral health services directly to individuals in crisis, we are fundamentally shifting from a reactive approach to a preventative and supportive one, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the burden on our emergency services."
A Proactive Approach
The initial goals of the program were clear: mitigate immediate risks, stabilize crises, and connect people with ongoing support. These interventions are designed to de-escalate situations, often preventing the need for a trip to the emergency department or involvement from law enforcement. The team's work is driven by a core belief that every individual in crisis deserves a compassionate and professional response, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reaching All Parts of Our Community
The Mobile Crisis Care Services Benefit is designed to meet individuals where they are, including people experiencing homelessness. When responding to a mental health or substance use disorder crisis, the CCBH Mobile Crisis Care Teams provide immediate intervention through screenings, assessments, and stabilization. This vital initial contact is the first step in a continuum of care, with the teams scheduling follow-up appointments or facilitating "warm handoffs" to appropriate providers. By connecting individuals to ongoing CCBH services, the mobile teams not only de-escalate crises but also establish a pathway toward long-term recovery and housing stability for our community's most vulnerable.
"This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and empathy meet. It’s an approach that PnuemaCare Health fully supports, because it aligns with our belief that every individual deserves a clear pathway to care. By ensuring people receive the right support at the right time, we can create a true continuum of care that leads to lasting recovery and stability," says Jason McMullan, Executive Director, PnuemaCare Health.
Challenges and Looking Ahead
The program's most significant challenge lies in its funding. As a new service, the volume of calls doesn't yet fully support the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate, creating a significant fiscal shortfall. CCBH is actively working with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to address this issue, ensuring this vital service can continue for the long term.
"In our first nine months, our mobile teams have already conducted 52 responses," notes Dr. Hobson. "These numbers are a strong indicator that this program is making a real difference. We are proving that community-based care is not only effective but also essential for a truly integrated system. The key now is securing long-term fiscal support to continue this vital work."
“When community members know that if someone they love is experiencing a mental health crisis they don’t have to call 911, but can call Mobile Crisis instead, it makes reaching out for help less frightening. The Mobile Crisis team provides a compassionate response in the moment and helps connect people with the care they need.” Lauren Wong, Executive Director, TCCAP.
A Resource for Our Community
The Mobile Crisis Care Services Benefit is a vital resource for Colusa County, available to anyone regardless of residency or insurance status.
Individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis should contact the crisis line: (888) 793-6580.
For more information on the program, you can contact Colusa County Behavioral Health, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at (530) 458-0520, or visit their website at Behavioral Health | Colusa County, CA - Official Website.
"This program represents the future of behavioral health," says Dr. Hobson. "It's an investment in a system where mental health needs are met with dignity, compassion and expertise, with the community as our greatest partner."
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