Enhancing MCOT Services in Rural Texas
SUMMARY – The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute developed “Enhancing MCOT Services in Rural Texas: A Toolkit for Local Mental/Behavioral Health Authorities” to support sustainable improvements that strengthen crisis response capabilities in rural Texas communities. The toolkit includes training activities, essential resources, and examples of promising practices from across the country.
Project Details
Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOTs) are vital components of an effective mental and behavioral health crisis response system, offering timely, community-based interventions. However, much of the research for MCOTs is tailored to urban settings and often overlooks the distinct challenges rural MCOT programs face, such as long travel distances for service delivery, limited local resources, and a shortage of behavioral health professionals.
Drawing on current research, evidence-based and promising practices, and innovative strategies, this toolkit addresses those gaps and provides practical guidance to support rural MCOT programs in improving service delivery while meeting the unique needs of their rural communities.
Key topics include:
- The critical role of MCOTs in rural areas
- Team composition and staff roles
- Community education and outreach
- Operational practices
- Training and professional development
- Data collection and quality assurance
- Serving special populations
- Financial sustainability
Acknowledgements
The Meadows Institute is exceedingly grateful to the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority for their collaboration and contributions to the development of this toolkit. We also thank Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, the Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery (CLEAR) Program, Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers, Project Rural Recovery Tennessee, the Texas Council of Community Centers, and the Texas Panhandle Centers Behavioral & Developmental Health for generously sharing their time and expertise. Lastly, we thank and recognize the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for their focus on improving rural service delivery through their MCOT Monthly Technical Assistance series.