Plans for Release of Request for Proposal (RFP) for new Blended Mobile Crisis Response Service (MCRS)

To Whom It May Concern:

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) will be releasing a request for proposal (RFP) for a new blended mobile crisis response service.  Currently, the department contracts for the provision of two separate mobile crisis systems.  Mobile crisis response teams are composed of trained, licensed, and credentialed staff who are dispatched into the community by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) to respond to behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability crises.  The teams provide rapid response, crisis de-escalation, brief intervention, and linkage/referral to necessary services and supports.

Under the current model, separate teams serve people experiencing behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability crises.  In recent years, there has been an increase in prevalence of people with a dual diagnosis, meaning that they have both behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability needs.  Best practice suggests that meeting the needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis should incorporate a blended model of service delivery that is capable of addressing both sets of needs. 

DBHDD will be incorporating best practices in service delivery for our statewide mobile crisis response system by contracting for the provision of blended mobile crisis response services for adults and children ages five and older.  In the early part of 2018, a request for proposal (RFP) for the delivery of blended mobile crisis response services will be released.  This will replace the current model of separate behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability mobile crisis response services.

DBHDD looks forward to continued opportunities to partner with provider agencies in the delivery of easy access to high-quality care that leads to a life of recovery and independence for the people we serve.

If an individual is experiencing crisis, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at (800) 715-4225 for free and confidential assistance, 24/7.  For medical emergencies, always dial 911 first.