In response to growing concerns around mental health and addiction crises, Calgary has implemented a comprehensive and community-centered approach to emergency and urgent care. The Community Mobile Crisis Response (CMCR) program, led by The Alex Community Health Centre in partnership with the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, and Distress Centre Calgary, represents a transformative shift in how mental health and addiction crises are addressed. This initiative aligns with trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and evidence-based mental health practices, offering a structured and compassionate response to individuals in distress.
The CMCR model emphasizes the importance of early intervention, access to appropriate resources, and follow-up support to prevent the escalation of crises. It also reduces the reliance on law enforcement for non-violent mental health-related calls, redirecting these cases to trained professionals who can provide tailored support. This article explores the components of Calgary’s mobile response system, the services offered, and the broader implications for mental health care delivery and psychological well-being.
The Structure and Function of Calgary’s Mobile Crisis Response Program
The CMCR program is designed to respond to non-violent, urgent mental health and addiction-related calls. These calls are triaged through 911 and 211 services, with the CMCR teams dispatched based on the nature of the crisis. Each team consists of a healthcare professional, a peer support worker, and a plain-clothes police officer. This co-response model ensures that individuals receive support that is both clinically informed and trauma-sensitive.
The team uses crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles to address the individual’s immediate needs. The healthcare professional provides medical assessment and guidance, while the peer support worker offers empathetic, relatable support based on lived experience. The plain-clothes police officer provides a visible presence for safety and de-escalation when necessary, without the intimidation often associated with traditional law enforcement.
The CMCR operates from 8 am to 2 am, seven days a week, and is available in multiple districts of Calgary. The goal is to expand this service citywide to ensure broader access. During the pilot phase, the program has shown positive outcomes in terms of reducing crisis recurrences, improving client engagement, and supporting individuals through both immediate and long-term mental health needs.
Primary and Secondary Support Services
The CMCR program provides both primary and secondary support services. Primary support involves immediate crisis response, where the team attends to the individual’s urgent needs. This includes de-escalation, safety planning, and connecting the person with the most appropriate resources. The primary goal is to stabilize the situation and ensure the individual’s safety and well-being.
Secondary support includes voluntary follow-up case management. Within 24–28 hours of the initial crisis, a case manager from The Alex connects with the individual to address long-term needs. This may include referrals to social services, housing support, income assistance, or mental health programs. This follow-up is crucial in preventing future crises and promoting sustained psychological well-being.
This structured approach to crisis response not only addresses the immediate mental health concerns but also facilitates access to community-based resources that can support ongoing recovery and resilience. It aligns with the principles of evidence-based mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of continuity of care and holistic support.
Collaboration with Community Agencies
The CMCR program is not a standalone initiative but a part of a broader network of community-based services. It collaborates with agencies such as the Alberta Health Services Mobile Response Team (MRT), AHS Police and Crisis Teams (PACT), and Social Services. This coordination ensures that individuals receive the most appropriate and comprehensive support.
For instance, the AHS Mobile Response Team provides crisis intervention, urgent psychiatric assessments, trauma response, mental health education, and professional consultation. The collaboration between the CMCR and the MRT enhances the capacity of the city to respond to mental health crises in a timely and effective manner.
Additionally, the Distress Centre Calgary plays a critical role in triaging non-emergency mental health and addiction-related calls. The 211 team is trained in crisis de-escalation and suicide safety planning, and they evaluate each call to determine the most appropriate response. If a CMCR team is dispatched, they provide trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress.
This integrated system of care demonstrates a commitment to reducing systemic barriers and stigma associated with mental health services. It also reflects the importance of community partnerships in delivering effective mental health support.
Emergency and Urgent Services in Calgary
In addition to the CMCR program, Calgary offers a range of emergency and urgent mental health services. These services are designed to meet individuals where they are at, providing immediate support and long-term care options.
For emergency mental health concerns, individuals can call 911 or 988 (the suicide crisis hotline). Non-emergency mental health and addiction-related calls can be directed to 211 Calgary, which connects individuals with community resources and services. The 211 team is trained in crisis de-escalation and suicide safety planning, and they evaluate each call to determine the appropriate response.
Other key services include Health Link 811, which provides health-related advice and referrals, and the Distress Centre Calgary, which offers 24-hour crisis support via phone, text, or online chat. The Distress Centre also provides short-term counseling (up to six sessions) and connects individuals with community-based mental health services.
For those seeking in-person support, Urgent Mental Health Services are available at the South Calgary Health Centre, Sheldon Chumir Health Centre, or any hospital emergency room. These services provide immediate care for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.
Walk-in counseling is also available at the South Calgary Health Centre, with appointments available from 12–7 pm daily. Community Connect YYC offers online and in-person counseling for adults, children, and individuals with disabilities, with Rapid Access Counseling available on specific days and times.
The Role of Employers and Caregivers
Employers and caregivers also play a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises. Employers can contact the Distress Centre Calgary for advice on how to assist employees in crisis. The Distress Centre provides guidance on crisis management, employee well-being, and access to mental health resources.
Caregivers and family members can also access support through the Distress Centre and other community services. These resources offer guidance on how to support loved ones experiencing mental health or addiction-related challenges. This support includes crisis de-escalation techniques, safety planning, and access to professional counseling services.
The involvement of employers and caregivers in mental health support is an essential component of Calgary’s integrated crisis response system. It emphasizes the importance of community-based care and the role of social networks in promoting psychological well-being.
Trauma-Informed Care and Evidence-Based Practices
The CMCR program and other mental health services in Calgary are grounded in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment in the treatment process.
The CMCR teams use trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate crises, build rapport with individuals, and connect them with appropriate resources. This approach reduces the likelihood of re-traumatization and promotes healing and recovery.
Evidence-based practices are also a key component of Calgary’s mental health services. These include crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other therapeutic approaches that have been shown to be effective in treating mental health conditions. The integration of these practices into the CMCR program ensures that individuals receive support that is both clinically sound and tailored to their specific needs.
The Future of Mobile Crisis Response in Calgary
The success of the CMCR pilot program has demonstrated the effectiveness of a community-centered approach to mental health crisis response. The program has shown positive outcomes in terms of reduced crisis recurrences, improved client engagement, and enhanced access to mental health services. These outcomes highlight the importance of expanding the program citywide and integrating it into the broader mental health care system.
The CMCR program also aligns with the goals of the City of Calgary to improve the well-being of its residents. By reducing the reliance on law enforcement for non-violent mental health-related calls, the program promotes a more compassionate and effective approach to crisis response. It also addresses the systemic barriers and stigma associated with mental health services, making them more accessible and inclusive.
As the program continues to evolve, it is expected to incorporate feedback from community partners, clients, and stakeholders. This feedback will help refine the program and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of individuals experiencing mental health and addiction crises.
Conclusion
Calgary’s mobile crisis response system represents a significant advancement in mental health care delivery. The Community Mobile Crisis Response program, along with other emergency and urgent services, provides a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing mental health and addiction crises. This system is grounded in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and community partnerships, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need in a timely and effective manner.
The integration of mobile crisis response teams, peer support, and follow-up case management into the broader mental health care system highlights the importance of continuity of care and holistic support. It also emphasizes the role of community-based resources in promoting psychological well-being and resilience.
As the program continues to expand and evolve, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Calgary. It serves as a model for other communities seeking to improve their crisis response systems and promote access to mental health services.