Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET)

The Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET) provides crisis services at the local hospitals for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Such services are initiated by the hospital staff and include:

  • Emergency psychiatric evaluation
  • Assessment for appropriate level of care
  • Crisis intervention services and mental health support
  • Referrals, resources, and peer support advocacy
  • Post-crisis follow-up support

IN THE CASE OF A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 9-1-1

The County has partnered with Sierra Mental Wellness Group as its provider of MHET services. Interventions are client oriented, and wellness and recovery-centered, to maximize the ability of the individual to manage the crisis. Additionally, this immediate stabilization response is supplemented with a next day follow-up for non-hospitalized clients to continue support and provide assistance in following through with referrals and appointments.
 

Who is eligible?

Any adult or child who is experiencing a psychiatric emergency in San Luis Obispo County.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

FAQS

If you want immediate support for emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or to find mental health resources for you or a family member, friend or neighbor, call Central Coast HOTLINE, 1 (800) 783-0607 a 24/7 confidential talk line.

If there is a life threatening emergency, CALL 9-1-1.

Call 9-1-1 if:

  • The person in crisis requires immediate medical attention
  • Law Enforcement is needed to provide for safety. 
  • You do not know where the person is, and you are worried for their safety. Once the person is located, Law Enforcement will contact MHET to provide the mental health evaluation.

A mental health crisis is when you need urgent help in dealing with a mental health issue that is seriously impacting your life. There are different kinds of mental health crises: extreme emotional distress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of hurting others, paranoia, hallucinations--seeing or hearing things that others don't, grave disability--and other distressing behaviors.