Olmsted County rolling out new mobile crisis response process in 2025

December 16, 2024

Mental health continues to be a top concern for Olmsted County residents. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, timely assistance from trained mental health professionals is critical. To help ensure faster response times, improve service integration, and provide a tailored approach to community needs, Olmsted County is transitioning to a new mobile crisis response process beginning January 1, 2025.

Prior to 2025, Olmsted County was included in a partnership to provide a regional response for mental health crisis services. Moving forward, Olmsted County will have its own mobile crisis response process provided by the county’s Crisis Response team (previously known as the Diversity, Equity, and Community Outreach team or DECO) with services provided 24/7. 

What is mobile crisis response?

“Mobile crisis response is about offering face-to-face services for adults and children who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency,” said Olmsted County Crisis Team Manager Sidney Frye. “The Olmsted County Crisis Response team can respond to a wide range of mental health crises such as severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and significant emotional distress.”

Mobile crisis response involves the following steps:

  • Triage/screening.
  • Assessment.
  • De-escalation/resolution.
  • Peer support.
  • Coordination with medical and behavioral health services.
  • Crisis planning and follow up. 

Olmsted County has hired and trained five new employees to assist with this work including one mental health professional, two outreach social workers, and two stabilization social workers. 

“These individuals have received extensive training in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, cultural competence, and coordination with law enforcement and health care providers,” explained Associate Director of Dodge and Olmsted Community Corrections Alex Bunger. “They have also received specialized training in mental health first aid and trauma-informed care to ensure they are fully prepared to support individuals in crisis.”

Olmsted County believes that offering a localized mobile crisis response process will be beneficial for the community.

“By having a crisis response team specific to Olmsted County, we can help ensure better coordination with other county services, such as mental health, housing, and social services. This integrated approach allows for a more seamless response to crises, ensuring individuals receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs,” noted Director of Dodge and Olmsted Community Corrections Nikki Niles. 

Mental health help resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Additionally, 911 is always an option in an emergency. Other resources to consult include:

   
###

Media Contact: Rachel Wick, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6537