Members of Flathead County’s Crisis Assistance Team are making significant strides in addressing mental health crises within the community. Each Wednesday, the team visits the local jail to engage with inmates struggling with mental health challenges. Their work is more than just a stopgap; it is a critical intervention aimed at connecting individuals with the resources and support they need, redirecting them away from the criminal justice system, which is often not equipped to handle such crises.
The Growing Need for Mental Health Resources
In recent years, mental health resources in Flathead County have diminished, leaving law enforcement agencies to fill the void. Consequently, many individuals with mental health issues find themselves ensnared within a system primarily designed for criminal justice, rather than mental health care. This is particularly concerning given the extended waiting periods faced by inmates needing treatment at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs.
Commander Jenny Root of the Flathead County Jail highlights the pressing need for support, stating, “We have very limited resources for our mental health inmates … trying to help them when they’re here and trying to prevent them from coming here in the first place is a huge deal.” The Crisis Assistance Team serves to alleviate some of this burden, providing essential services that redirect individuals towards the appropriate mental health care.
The Origin of the Crisis Assistance Team
Launched in August 2020, the Crisis Assistance Team began with the goal of decreasing the frequency of emergency calls related to behavioral health. Originally formed as a collaboration between the Kalispell Police Department and the Western Montana Mental Health Center, the program made strides in its mission to link individuals to the mental health services they desperately need. In December 2022, the Flathead City-County Health Department took ownership of the mobile crisis response team, leading to substantial growth in its operations.
As behavioral health supervisor James Pyke explains, “Crisis is identified by the individual. It’s not prescribed; it’s not diagnosed upon people.” The team’s objective is clear: connect individuals with resources that meet them where they are.
Significant Expansion and Outreach
Under Pyke’s leadership, the program expanded to operate seven days a week, facilitating over 40 hours of on-scene support within its first month of expanded hours. This represented a significant juncture in the evolution of the team’s capabilities, allowing for a much broader community impact.
Flathead County’s crisis response model is structured around two teams composed of a licensed therapist and a care coordinator. Together, they are on call from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., ready to respond to various needs—from supporting law enforcement to providing independent assistance. Patrol Capt. Chad Fetveit from the Kalispell Police Department emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, noting how it allows law enforcement to concentrate on criminal matters without neglecting community mental health needs.
Fetveit noted, “The [Crisis Assistance] Team is a force multiplier, enabling law enforcement to focus more on law enforcement without letting the mental health concerns of our citizens fall through the cracks.”
Impact on the Community
The impact of this initiative has been profound. The Crisis Assistance Team not only helps individuals facing mental health crises but also addresses related issues such as housing insecurity and homelessness. As Sean Patrick O’Neill from the Flathead Warming Center states, the program has led to a marked decrease in 911 calls, indicating a shift in how mental health emergencies are handled.
Instead of arrests, the Crisis Assistance Team provides support by transporting clients to shelters, healthcare facilities, or the homes of family members. The team ensures that follow-up occurs within 14 days of each incident, allowing for tailored care plans to help prevent future crises.
Importantly, Pyke mentions that their services come at no cost to those who seek help. Funded by state grants focused on behavioral health initiatives and partnerships with local government, the program can also bill Medicaid for certain services, ensuring sustainability for the long run.
Continuous Growth and Future Aspirations
As the Crisis Assistance Team continues to grow, they are consistently looking to adapt and meet the community’s evolving needs. Recent statistics reveal that the team has increasingly spent a significant percentage of their hours responding to calls without law enforcement personnel, illustrating the effectiveness of their independent work.
While the increase in mental health calls may be attributed to a growing population, Pyke asserts that the data shows a shift in how these calls are addressed. “More of those calls for mental health got a licensed therapist on scene. And that’s a huge benefit,” he commented.
As the program develops, team members and local leaders are hopeful that it can expand its hours even more, reinforcing the essential role it plays in the fabric of the community.
Conclusion
The efforts of Flathead County’s Crisis Assistance Team exemplify an urgent and compassionate response to mental health crises. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental health care, they not only provide immediate relief but also pave the way for lasting change within the community. With ongoing commitment and growth, the potential for making a significant impact on mental health crises in Flathead County is promising. As the team continues to expand its reach, one can only hope that other communities will look to their model as a beacon of hope and support for those struggling with mental health issues.
