When a behavioral health crisis occurs, every second counts. Getting the right help from the right professionals can make all the difference. In response to this critical need, Calvert County has launched a new Behavioral Health Crisis Diversion Initiative—a coordinated partnership between:
Together, these services are working to provide timely, compassionate and effective care to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.
How the Crisis Diversion Initiative Works
The Behavioral Health Crisis Diversion Initiative ensures that individuals in crisis are quickly connected with the most appropriate support:
Call 988 for emotional support and mental health counseling from trained professionals
Call 911 for emergencies involving law enforcement, fire or medical services
The Mobile Crisis Team responds on-site to provide specialized behavioral health care
By integrating emergency response systems and mental health services, this initiative shortens response times and enhances outcomes for individuals and families in need. Together, we’re making a difference—one compassionate response at a time.
Know the Numbers: Understanding 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched nationwide in 2022, offers a simple, three-digit number for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, substance use or emotional distress, help is just a call or text away. Call or text 988 to be connected with trained counselors who can provide immediate support and link you with local services—including the Calvert County Mobile Crisis Team, when appropriate. You are not alone. Help is just a call or text away.
The Mobile Crisis Team
The Calvert County Health Department's Mobile Crisis Team is composed of:
Licensed medical professionals
Mental health counselors
Peer recovery specialists
These dedicated responders bring critical behavioral health services directly to individuals in crisis—whether at home, in the community or in coordination with first responders. Through the Behavioral Health Crisis Diversion Initiative, the Mobile Crisis Team works alongside 988 counselors and 911 dispatchers to deliver fast, compassionate and appropriate care.
Building a Safer, Stronger Calvert County
The Behavioral Health Crisis Diversion Initiative is designed to:
Improve outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises
Reduce response times and streamline care coordination
Support first responders by diverting behavioral health calls to the most appropriate resources
Ensure safety and dignity for individuals in crisis and the broader community
By integrating 911, 988 and the Mobile Crisis Team, Calvert County is creating a more responsive, compassionate and effective behavioral health system.