During the pandemic, the mental health needs of students has drastically increased, including incidence of depression and anxiety. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations of youth have both increased during this time. Mental health is now the leading cause of hospitalizations of children under the age of 18 in California. Social isolation can increase feelings of depression and anxiety among youth. This crisis facing youth and their families is staggering. Schools are faced with the challenge of meeting the student’s mental health needs and keeping schools safe.

The Psychiatric Mobile Response Teams (PMRT) consist of DMH clinicians designated per Welfare and Institutions Code 5150/5585 to perform evaluations for involuntary detention of individuals determined to be at risk of harming themselves or others or who are unable to provide food, clothing, or shelter as a result of a mental disorder.

Participants will:

·Describe the Psychiatric Mobil Response Team Process.

·Describe the mental health crisis and suicide warning signs.

·Discuss what is an appropriate PMRT call versus a referral to school based mental health services.

·Prioritize coordination and communication to promptly identify and refer students to the appropriate treatment program.

·Desscribe the School Threat Assessment Response Team (START).

LACOE does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. LACOE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.