Many States utilize mobile crisis teams (MCTs), but the inclusion of peer support on teams is a relatively new addition. A MCT is committed to decreasing unnecessary incarceration as a result of a mental health crisis, decreasing unnecessary hospitalizations, providing safe, compassionate and effective responses to individuals experiencing a MH crisis, increasing their participation with MH providers by problem solving barriers, increasing knowledge of local resources, and increasing public safety.  It is frequently difficult to engage individuals living with serious psychiatric conditions in treatment and perhaps even more so during a brief encounter with a MCT. Peer support specialists have proven to be highly effective in providing a sense of safety, respect, and personal agency for people experiencing a crisis in the community. This presentation reviews MCT peer support engagement techniques and their outcomes, which can result in lowered rates of hospitalization and/or incarceration.

Learning Objectives

• Describe engagement techniques utilized by peer specialist on mobile crisis teams.
• Assess the value of the inclusion of peer specialists on mobile crisis teams.
• Define the most productive role for peer specialists on mobile crisis teams.

Target Audience

Instructional Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Estimated Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 1.0 hours 
Program Start Date: September 20, 2019
Program End Date: September 06, 2022

How to Earn Credit

Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, or a certificate of participation may do so by completing all sections of the course, including the evaluation. A multiple choice quiz is provided based on the content. A passing score of 75% must be achieved. Retakes are available for the test. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians), or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.

Continuing Education Credit

Physicians

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

Instructors

• Patrick Hendry, Mental Health America. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.   

Planners

• Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Tristan Gorrindo, MD, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Donna Rolin, PhD, APRN, University of Texas at Austin. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. 

Reviewers

• John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 9/15/22)
• Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 10/23/22)

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities

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Technical Requirements

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• Internet Explorer 11+

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Optimal System Configuration:

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• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content

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