Mobile Crisis Response Endorsement Program

Endorsement process and qualifications

The endorsement is a voluntary credential that a mobile rapid response crisis team (MRRCT) or community-based crisis teams (CBCT) may obtain to signify that it maintains the capacity to respond rapidly to anyone who is experiencing a significant behavioral health emergency requiring an urgent, in-person response.

Qualifications

New or existing MRRCT and CBCT who meet the state minimum standards to provide services under WAC 182-140 are eligible for an endorsement. Visit the Washington state legislature page for additional information.

Apply for endorsement

• Learn more about how to become endorsed.
• View and download the endorsement application.
• View and download the staffing plan form. 
• View and download the Tribal attestation form.

Types of endorsed mobile crisis teams

Mobile rapid response crisis teams

This team provides professional, on-site, community-based interventions such as outreach, de-escalation, stabilization, resource connection, and follow-up support for people who are experiencing a behavioral health emergency. Learn more about MRRCT.

Community-based crisis teams

This team is part of an emergency medical services agency, a fire service agency, a public health agency, a medical facility, a nonprofit crisis response provider, or a city or county government entity, other than a law enforcement agency. These teams provide the on-site, community-based interventions of a mobile rapid response crisis team (MRRCT) for people who are experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Learn more about CBCT.

Exempt community-based crisis teams

A team comprised solely of an emergency medical services agency, whether part of a fire service agency or a private entity, located in a rural county in eastern Washington with a population of less than 60,000 residents. Learn more about exempt community-based crisis teams.

Tribal endorsed teams

Tribal mobile crisis response teams seeking endorsement may do so through the attestation process outlined in WAC 182-140-0060. Learn more about tribal endorsed teams.

Performance payment program

Establishment grants

The goal of this grant is to fund the startup costs for mobile rapid response crisis teams (MRRCT) and community-based crisis teams (CBCT), seeking to meet the standards for endorsement as outlined in WAC 182-140. Grant funds are subject to availability and aim to enhance the statewide behavioral health crisis response system, ensuring individuals experiencing a crisis can access help quickly and easily in their regions.

By funding startup costs, the Health Care Authority (HCA) intends to improve the availability and quality of crisis intervention services, ultimately contributing to the overall safety and well-being of affected individuals. Additionally, the establishment of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline supports behavioral health interventions facilitating immediate access to assistance. Endorsed teams will serve as the primary responders in their regions, providing onsite intervention for behavioral health emergencies.

Key grant dates

HCA release of grant: HCA is currently working on finalizing a grant application that will be available to download.

Enhanced rate

All endorsed mobile rapid response crisis teams and community-based crisis teams are eligible to receive performance payments in the form of an enhanced case rate while participating in the endorsement program. Learn more about participating in the program.

Supplemental performance payment

This is an optional payment provided to teams that have received an endorsement from HCA and are able to meet the time requirements outlined in RCW 71.24.903 (10). These payments are in addition to-and greater than-the enhanced rate, and are provided to teams quarterly for those that participate. Learn more about the supplemental performance payment.

Program background

Engrossed Second Substitute House bill 1134 passed in 2023 in response to the need for more accessible and effective behavioral health emergency services within our state. The establishment of the 988 moves toward improving behavioral health intervention and ensuring access to immediate support over the phone. The bill seeks to improve in-person responses with the creation of the endorsement program. This program creates endorsed mobile rapid response crisis team (MRRCT) and establishes a new type of team, community-based crisis teams (CBCT).