RIPLEY, N.Y.:-- The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene (CCDMH) Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) was invited to present its services to a local business recently. MCT is a part of the forensics team that also includes the Mobile Transition Team (MTT) and Peer Support.
At the request of the owners of Meeder’s Restaurant in Ripley, N.Y., Bob and Shelia Bentley, the presentation consisted of an explanation of services, when and which services to use and first-hand testimony from one of the team’s peers.
“As owners of a visible business and as people with first-hand experience using these services, we became aware of the need to share information about them,” said Bob Bentley. “I have seen other people looking for support and not know where to find it. We reached out to mobile crisis to let our staff, family and friends know that there is help out there. Our staff has been so appreciative of the information presented. The response has been overwhelming and the quality of presentation was phenomenal. A lot of valuable information was received and I cannot express how highly we regard Lynn and her team.”
Lynn Graziano LCSWR is the Clinic Director of Forensic and Mobile Services. The Mobile Crisis Team provides short- term service for people experiencing mental health crisis or distress. Ideal clients: people who are in crisis and in need of immediate support, but not an emergency level. The MCT can accept referrals anywhere in Chautauqua County, including self-referrals. This service is for adult community members.
The Mobile Transition Team provides short-term service that links to long-term services. Ideal clients: someone who needs support and is willing to accept support; does not have connection to services, but needs them. Referrals accepted anywhere in Chautauqua County, including self-referrals. This service is available for adult community members.
Peer support is long-term service for people in need of additional support; complement to counseling. Ideal clients; people who are already connected to services, but lack relationships in the community. Only accepts referral within CCDMH.
Forensics also consists of a team of professionals to assist in the facilitation of behavioral health services for the county’s courts and jail system. This encompasses mental health evaluations, telehealth, in-person counseling, group therapies and care coordination linkage for success post incarceration.
Graziano said, “Since implementing our mobile crisis team, we have assisted individuals in the community by offering support from peers and clinicians and plan alternative treatments rather than transport to the hospital. The team has access to a psychiatrist and can offer telehealth appointments if needed. We have been building relationships with community partners to link individuals with long term peer support, mental health providers and respite care if needed.”
To contact the MCT or MTT teams call:
Mobile Crisis Team M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
716-363-3684
*1-800-724-0461 M-F After Hours and Weekends
*Services provided by Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.
Mobile Transition Team M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
MTT Clinician 716-661-8872
MTT Peer 716-661-8871
Chautauqua County Crisis Line 24/7
1-800-724-0461
To learn more about Mobile Crisis Team and forensic services available through CCDMH, visit https://chqgov.com/mental-hygiene or visit us on our social media channels by searching @mentalhygienechq. If you are interested in hosting a presentation of any of the programs and services available through the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene contact Deb Maggio, Communications and Development Manager at 716-328-4454.
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