Campus Mobile Crisis Team
Campus Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT)
Contact: (831) 502-9988
Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
When the team is unavailable, callers will be routed to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or UCSC Dispatch.
Note: CMCT observes UCSC campus closures.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
The UCSC Campus Mobile Crisis Team, a service of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), provides timely, accessible, and culturally responsive support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises on campus. While CMCT serves the entire UCSC community, its primary focus is on student wellness.
Services offered by CMCT:
- On-site emotional wellness checks
- Connections to behavioral health resources
- Coordination with CAPS and other campus services
- Trauma-informed, culturally responsive crisis support
- Response to mental health crises, substance use concerns, and situations involving potential harm to self or others
CMCT is committed to providing respectful and compassionate care when and where it is needed most.
When should I call CMCT?
Call CMCT at (831) 502-9988 if you or someone nearby is experiencing emotional distress, urgent mental health symptoms, or safety concerns related to substance use or potential harm.
What to expect
The team will arrive at your location in a clearly marked van, though some students may choose to meet a distance away from the van for confidentiality. The team will:
- Speak with the individual(s) involved
- Conduct a crisis assessment
- Determine appropriate next steps
- Offer transportation if needed
- Connect individuals with campus or community services
Each response is personalized, prioritizing the individual’s well-being and safety with compassion and minimal disruption.
What happens next?
If you or the individual is open to help, CMCT will guide them through available options, which may include:
- Crisis counseling, emotional support, and de-escalation
- Referrals or coordination with CAPS
- Wellness checks and follow-up planning
- Assistance accessing longer-term care
FAQ: Campus Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT)
What does a “behavioral health crisis” mean?
“Behavioral health” is a broad term that encompasses both mental health and substance use conditions. A behavioral health crisis occurs when an individual is experiencing a mental health or substance use-related episode that exceeds their ability to cope effectively.
How does CMCT de-escalate a situation when someone is yelling or screaming?
CMCT staff are trained in a variety of evidence-based de-escalation techniques, including but not limited to crisis counseling, motivational interviewing, nonjudgmental support, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies such as exploring how thoughts influence behaviors.
How are CMCT services dispatched?
The team is dispatched through the UCSC Dispatch Team. To request CMCT, call the dedicated line at (831) 502-9988. In some cases, calls made to 911 or UC Police Department may also be routed to CMCT if appropriate.
Who makes up the CMCT?
The CMCT typically consists of mental health professionals known as Crisis Intervention Specialists.
Can I call CMCT for myself?
Yes, you can call CMCT for yourself or someone else if experiencing a behavioral health crisis on campus.
Will I get in trouble if I call the CMCT line and it turns out another service is needed?
No. Dispatchers are trained to ask questions to determine the most appropriate response. If you’re unsure, it’s better to call and let the dispatcher help assess the situation.
What locations does CMCT serve?
CMCT serves all UCSC campus locations.
Will law enforcement respond if I call CMCT?
One of CMCT’s goals is to offer a non-law enforcement response. However, law enforcement involvement is determined by specific safety criteria and the information provided by the caller. If a situation poses a significant risk, other responders such as police, fire, or EMS may also be dispatched.
Additionally, if a situation escalates after CMCT arrives, law enforcement may be called to ensure safety.
If I call for CMCT but the dispatcher determines that law enforcement is needed, can I cancel the request?
The decision to dispatch law enforcement is based on assessed safety risks. Cancellation may not be possible if the situation involves a serious safety concern.
What is the typical CMCT response time?
Response times depend on team availability and call urgency. On average, you can expect a response within 10 to 30 minutes. CMCT does not respond with lights and sirens and may be delayed by campus traffic.
Services provided by CMCT
What services might someone in crisis receive from CMCT?
Services depend on the individual’s symptoms and behaviors. If additional support is needed, CMCT may provide transport to the Crisis Stabilization Unit, the Emergency Room, or another appropriate facility.
Once the immediate crisis is resolved, CMCT can offer referrals and help connect individuals to appropriate resources such as:
- Cowell Student Health Center
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Student Health Outreach & Promotion
- Campus Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment (CARE)
- The Cove (substance use harm reduction programs)
- Other campus or community services
The goal is to offer the least restrictive, most supportive care possible while empowering individuals to make choices that lead to positive outcomes.
What happens if someone is acting aggressively, such as throwing objects, punching walls, or threatening others?
If someone exhibits assaultive behavior that endangers themselves, others, or CMCT staff, the team will request support from UCSC Police to maintain safety.
Does CMCT provide services in languages other than English?
Yes. When bilingual staff are unavailable, CMCT uses Language Line services to communicate in your preferred language.
Is there a cost for CMCT services? Will I receive a bill?
There is no cost associated with a CMCT response for the recipient of services.
What happens if I ask CMCT to leave?
CMCT is a voluntary service. If you decline services, the team will leave. However, if there is an imminent safety concern, law enforcement or Emergency Medical Services may be contacted to respond.
Who can I contact for CMCT training or group education?
For training or educational requests, contact the CAPS Director Maryjan Murphy.
Please note: This email is not for urgent matters. For all immediate needs, call the CMCT number.