When facing a mental health or substance use crisis, knowing where to turn for help is crucial. In Berkeley, specialized care units offer vital support for individuals experiencing these challenging situations. This article will delve into What Are Specialized Care Units in Berkeley, outlining the services available to community members in need of immediate mental health assistance.
Berkeley is committed to providing accessible mental health crisis services to all residents, regardless of insurance or financial status. These services are designed to offer immediate support and intervention, with options ranging from non-police interventions to services accessed through 911.
What are Specialized Care Units (SCUs) for Mental Health Crises?
Specialized Care Units (SCUs) are dedicated programs designed to respond to individuals experiencing acute mental health or substance use crises. Unlike general emergency services, SCUs are staffed by professionals specifically trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and mental health support. They aim to provide immediate on-site assessment, support, and connection to further resources, often diverting individuals from emergency rooms or involvement with law enforcement when appropriate.
In Berkeley, the Specialized Care Unit operates as a mobile crisis response team, offering on-location assistance for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency.
The Specialized Care Unit (SCU) in Berkeley: A Non-Police Crisis Response
Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unit (SCU) provides a crucial service for those in crisis who require mental health support without police involvement. This program is a partnership between the City of Berkeley and Bonita House, Inc., demonstrating a community-focused approach to mental health crisis intervention. The SCU is available to all Berkeley community members.
To access the SCU, individuals or their concerned parties can call (510) 948-0075. When you call, SCU staff will gather essential information to understand the situation, including the nature of the crisis, the individual’s history, and current behavior. This information helps them determine if the SCU is the appropriate resource. If the situation aligns with their services, the SCU will dispatch a crisis van staffed with trained professionals to the specified location within Berkeley, whether it’s a public or private setting.
Alt text: Specialized Care Unit van in Berkeley, ready to respond to mental health crises.
The SCU operates seven days a week with varying hours:
- Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday: 24-hour services
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:00 am – 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm – 11:59 pm
It’s important to note that while the SCU offers a valuable non-police response option, it is not a substitute for all emergency services. In situations beyond their capacity or involving immediate safety risks, SCU staff may still refer callers to other resources, including emergency services.
The SCU team is equipped to respond to a range of behavioral crises in adults and minors, including:
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm ideation
- Substance use related crises
- Symptoms of depression
- Severe anxiety or inability to calm down
- Dramatic and sudden mood changes
Accessing Mental Health Support Through 911 in Berkeley
In life-threatening emergencies, calling 911 remains the primary course of action. However, in Berkeley, calling 911 can also connect individuals to mental health support through the Mental Health Division’s Mobile Crisis Unit. When you call 911, you can specifically request mental health support from the public safety dispatcher.
The Mobile Crisis Unit is dispatched for situations that include, but are not limited to:
- Suicide threats or attempts
- Mental health crises arising after community events or incidents
Alt text: Berkeley Mobile Crisis Team member assisting a person in need, showcasing community mental health support.
The Mobile Crisis Team can also be accessed through the non-emergency dispatch line at (510) 981-5900 for less urgent situations, such as:
- Evaluations for potential psychiatric hospitalization
- Mental health support following a death or traumatic event
It’s important to be aware that Mobile Crisis Team responses may involve firefighter-paramedics or police officers to ensure safety at the scene. These first responders are trained in de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies and work to create a safe environment for the Mobile Crisis Team to provide assistance. The Mobile Crisis Team is available five days a week, from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday through Friday. Availability may be affected by call volume and staffing levels.
Outside of Mobile Crisis Team hours, 911 dispatch will still connect individuals to firefighter-paramedics or police officers. In Berkeley, these first responders possess significant experience in assisting individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises and regularly employ de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
For non-emergency mental health consultations or to learn more about the Mobile Crisis Team services, you can leave a message at (510) 981-5254.
Getting Care Beyond the Immediate Crisis
Both the Specialized Care Unit and the Mobile Crisis Unit prioritize connecting individuals with ongoing support after the immediate crisis is addressed. Following an on-site assessment and initial assistance, staff may offer options and resources for further care. Individuals have the autonomy to accept or decline these recommendations.
Recommended services can include:
- Connections to relevant community resources
- Transportation to treatment centers or chosen locations
- Post-crisis counseling services
- Housing navigation assistance
- Other applicable support services
If an individual declines further services, the team will conclude their immediate involvement. However, in situations where staff observes behavior indicating imminent danger to the individual (e.g., walking into traffic), they will initiate a 911 call to ensure safety.
For any questions regarding the SCU program, you can reach out via email at [email protected].
Learn more about the comprehensive range of mental and behavioral health services available in Berkeley: Berkeley Mental Health Services
By understanding what are specialized care units and the broader landscape of mental health crisis services in Berkeley, community members can be better equipped to seek and receive timely and appropriate support during challenging times.
