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M-TAC: Medi-Cal Crisis Training and Technical Assistance Center

Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis TA Center (M-TAC)

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Home/Archived Recommended Supplemental Trainings

Archived Recommended Supplemental Trainings

The trainings are moving to our new LMS! If you are unable to find a recommended supplemental training on this webpage, you can find the recording on the LMS.

Below are the identified recommended supplemental trainings. While not required, these trainings are highly recommended and are being offered to support the development of specialized competencies in mobile crisis response.

Upon completion of trainings on the LMS, you can navigate to the training dashboard to access the Certificate of Completion (CoC) and Continued Education Hours (CEHs) Request Form. Upon completion of recorded trainings still on the website, please email mobilecrisisinfo@cars-rp.org with the subject line: Certificate of Completion. If you are requesting multiple certificates, you can include the training names and dates completed in the body of the email.

To Access the 2023 – 2024 Archived Supplemental Trainings, please visit our LMS.

More trainings will be added soon!

2025 Trainings

Culturally Responsive Crisis Care in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): DJ Ida, PhD, Sriya Bhattacharyya, PhD and, Erin Zamora, LMFT, LPCC

Building Cultural Responsiveness in Mobile Crisis Teams Session 1:
This webinar video provides mobile crisis team members with knowledge and practical skills on culturally responsive intervention and de-escalation skills with community members from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Culturally responsive crisis response is not only best practice but an ethical imperative, especially critical in consideration of the richly diverse communities of California.

Description

This webinar video provides mobile crisis team members with knowledge and practical skills on culturally responsive intervention and de-escalation skills with community members from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Culturally responsive crisis response is not only best practice but an ethical imperative, especially critical in consideration of the richly diverse communities of California. Topics include how the intersectionality of race, class, gender, language, culture, and community history can result in social inequality and complex crisis engagement; the role of cultural identities in the presentation of crisis response symptoms; the application of culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) standards and culturally and linguistically responsive techniques in mobile crisis response; the role of behavioral health interpreters in crisis response; and skill development in culturally responsive and strength-based crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.

Learning Objectives/Viewers will:

  • Be able to define and understand foundational principles of culturally responsive crisis care. 
  • Be able to differentiate between cultural competence and cultural humility in mobile crisis response.
  • Increase their knowledge of culturally responsive communication and de-escalation techniques in AANHPI communities. 
  • Deepen their knowledge of the concept of intersectionality and its relevance in crisis care. 
  • Gain a deeper understanding for the role of behavioral health interpreters in crisis response.
  • Gain a deeper understanding and be able to apply the “No Wrong Door” approach in mobile crisis response situations with people from AANHPI communities. 
  • Expand their knowledge of culturally responsive communication techniques for AANHPI communities in crisis situations.
Training Presentation

Introduction to First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) for Mobile Crisis Teams

Monday, January 27, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Katherine Pierce, PhD, and Danielle Raghib, LCSW

First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Empowering Mobile Crisis Teams to Recognize and Respond to People Experiencing FEP Training Series Session 1:
This first webinar in the M-TAC project FEP series introduces mobile crisis teams to the signs and symptoms of FEP, exploring the role of biological, environmental, and social factors that can lead to the development of psychosis experiences, and how to link to appropriate ongoing care, including coordinated specialty care (CSC), which is the standard of care for intervention and treatment of FEP.

Description

Led by subject matter experts with the EPI-CAL Program, this first training introduced mobile crisis teams to the signs and symptoms of FEP, explored the role of biological, environmental, and social factors that can lead to the development of psychosis experiences, and how to link to appropriate ongoing care, including coordinated specialty care (CSC), which is the standard of care for intervention and treatment of FEP. Please read on for a review of session’s learning objectives and curricula, as a primer for the Community of Practice.

Learning Objectives/Topics to be Discussed:

  • Develop a foundational understanding of FEP and the role of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for mobile crisis teams.
  • Explore common misconceptions about psychosis and appropriate language for use in this space.
  • Describe the experiences associated with psychosis and how distress and impact are key to determining level of need.
  • Review biological, environmental, and social factors that can lead to the development of psychosis.
  • Review the importance of reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) as much as possible.
  • Describe the time course of psychosis experiences to support differentiation between FEP vs. history of experiencing psychosis.
  • Understand who is at increased risk, determining risk and safety during a mobile crisis encounter.
  • Introduce components of evidence-based treatment for psychosis symptoms, including the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model, and learn why this is important for mobile crisis teams.
Training Presentation

FEP and Mobile Crisis Assessment and Intervention Strategies

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Tara Niendam, PhD, and Danielle Raghib, LCSW

First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Empowering Mobile Crisis Teams to Recognize and Respond to People Experiencing FEP Training Series Session 2:
This second webinar will equip mobile crisis teams with trauma-informed crisis intervention strategies to support identification, crisis assessment techniques, best practices for interventions and safety planning, and culturally appropriate interactions and communication with individuals and their families experiencing first episode psychosis.

Description

This second webinar will equip mobile crisis teams with trauma-informed crisis intervention strategies to support identification, crisis assessment techniques, best practices for interventions and safety planning, and culturally appropriate interactions and communication with individuals and their families experiencing first episode psychosis.

Learning Objectives/Topics to be Discussed:

  • Develop essential crisis assessment and intervention techniques for mobile crisis teams.
  • Understand the importance of building rapport through a trauma-informed lens for individuals experiencing FEP.
  • Learn strategies for engaging families and natural support systems during a mobile crisis encounter.
  • Assess the way FEP manifests across the developmental spectrum (youth vs. older adults).
  • Review person-centered strategies for supportive interaction and communication with individuals in crisis experiencing FEP.
    • Introduce LEAP Model (anosognosia)
  • Discuss crisis assessment strategies for individuals experiencing FEP, including risk and safety.
    • Distinguish factors for other psychotic conditions (substance induced, medical induced, PTSD induced, etc.)
Training Presentation

Culturally Responsive Crisis Care in LGBTQIA+ Communities

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Alex Filippelli and Erin Zamora, LMFT, LPCC

Building Cultural Responsiveness in Mobile Crisis Teams Session 2:
Training two in this series focuses on the LGBTQIA+ population and aims to equip mobile crisis service providers with best-practice strategies for crisis intervention and culturally responsive services for this community. By emphasizing social and clinical factors that influence behavioral health access, we aim to foster connections between individuals in crisis and culturally accessible services.

Description

Training two in this series focuses on the LGBTQIA+ population and aims to equip mobile crisis service providers with best-practice strategies for crisis intervention and culturally responsive services for this community. By emphasizing social and clinical factors that influence behavioral health access, we aim to foster connections between individuals in crisis and culturally accessible services.

Learning Objectives/Viewers will:

  • Understand the concepts of cultural humility and competence in the context of supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.​
  • Deepen their knowledge of the concept of intersectionality and its relevance in crisis care.​
  • Expand their knowledge of culturally responsive communication techniques for LGBTQIA+ communities in crisis situations.​
  • Identify specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.​
  • Learn practical steps for mobile crisis responders to support LGBTQIA+ individuals with empathy and respect.

By prioritizing cultural humility in mobile crisis response, we aim to improve engagement and achieve better outcomes for diverse populations. This training will encourage mobile crisis teams to deliver the highest quality of care, ensuring that all individuals receive the support they need in their most vulnerable moments and foster a more inclusive approach to behavioral health care.

Training Presentation

Follow-up Check-Ins: Connection to Ongoing Services and Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Katie Pierce, PhD, Katherine Hayden-Lewis, PhD, and Danielle Raghib, LCSW

First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Empowering Mobile Crisis Teams to Recognize and Respond to People Experiencing FEP Training Series Session 3:
This third webinar will guide mobile crisis teams through best-practice follow-up care, including an overview of treatment approaches highlighting the CSC model. The training will establish strategies to ensure appropriate connections to ongoing services for individuals experiencing FEP.

Description

This third webinar will guide mobile crisis teams through best-practice follow-up care, including an overview of treatment approaches highlighting the CSC model. The training will establish strategies to ensure appropriate connections to ongoing services for individuals experiencing FEP.

Learning Objectives/Topics to be Discussed:

  • Support mobile crisis teams to provide effective and timely follow-up check-ins, expand knowledge of treatment approaches and the CSC model, and highlight the importance of ensuring connection to the appropriate service delivery systems for ongoing care.
  • Describe appropriate follow-up check-ins after a mobile crisis encounter with a member experiencing FEP and the role of CSC, safety planning, and monitoring review.
  • Discuss the importance of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches.
  • Explain the role of CSC as a treatment modality for mobile crisis teams, including:
    • Key Components of CSC
      • Assertive Case Management
      • Family Support and Education
      • Psychotherapy
      • Peer Support
      • Medication and Health Management
      • Supported Education and Employment
  • Understand strategies for coordinating care to and with appropriate mental health professionals and specialty clinics (e.g., referral to CSC clinic) and across systems of care (school, work, medical).
Training Presentation

Culturally Responsive Crisis Care in Black and African American Communities

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Tansy McNulty, MBA

Building Cultural Responsiveness in Mobile Crisis Teams Session 3:
Training three focused on the Black/African American population and aimed to equip mobile crisis team members with the historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills needed to provide compassionate, culturally responsive crisis care to Black and African American communities.

Description

Training three focused on the Black/African American population and aimed to equip mobile crisis team members with the historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills needed to provide compassionate, culturally responsive crisis care to Black and African American communities. Understanding population-level challenges in access to and outcomes of behavioral healthcare is key to building trust and improving outcomes. Participants explored connections between the impact of healthcare disparities and stigma on mental health access, and the evolving policies shaping crisis intervention today. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, this training empowered mobile crisis teams to foster trust, engage effectively, and promote positive outcomes in Black/African American communities.

Training Presentation

Practical Application of FEP Intervention Strategies: Mobile Crisis Team Integration

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Katie Pierce, PhD, Tara Niendam, PhD, and Danielle Raghib, LCSW

First-Episode Psychosis (FEP): Empowering Mobile Crisis Teams to Recognize and Respond to People Experiencing FEP Training Series Session 4:
This fourth session focused on applying the practical skills necessary for effective mobile crisis intervention, building on foundational skills in recognizing and responding to FEP related crises developed during the previous sessions of the program.

Description

This fourth session focused on applying the practical skills necessary for effective mobile crisis intervention, building on foundational skills in recognizing and responding to FEP related crises developed during the previous sessions of the program. Participants engaged in facilitated case discussions, scenarios, and group exercises, with special attention given to implementing best practice crisis intervention techniques, recognizing early warning signs of psychosis, de-escalating high-stress situations, and connecting individuals to appropriate follow-up care, such as CSC programs.

By the end of this session, viewers can expect to strengthen their crisis intervention skills, gain confidence in their ability to navigate complex FEP cases, and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of linkage to ongoing care.

Training Presentation

Culturally Responsive Crisis Care in Latino/a Communities

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Angela Castellanos, LCSW, and Erin Zamora, LMFT, LPCC

Building Cultural Responsiveness in Mobile Crisis Teams Session 4:
Training 4 focuses on Latin and Latinx populations and aims to equip mobile crisis team members with historical context, cultural insight, and practical skills to provide compassionate, culturally responsive crisis care. Understanding population-level challenges in behavioral health access and outcomes is key to building trust and improving service delivery.

Description

This is a recording of the fourth training in M-TAC’s five-part series designed to support mobile crisis teams in delivering culturally appropriate care to California’s diverse communities. Training 4 focuses on Latin and Latinx populations and aims to equip mobile crisis team members with historical context, cultural insight, and practical skills to provide compassionate, culturally responsive crisis care. Understanding population-level challenges in behavioral health access and outcomes is key to building trust and improving service delivery.

Viewers of this webinar will gain insight into how healthcare disparities and stigma affect mental health access, as well as how evolving policies shape crisis intervention. Featuring real-world examples and actionable strategies, this training offers mobile crisis teams a strengthened perspective on how to foster trust, engage effectively, and promote positive outcomes in Latin and Latinx communities.

View Training Slides

Culturally Responsive Crisis Care for Children, Youth, and Families

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Webinar | Presenter(s): Erin Reynolds, Sydney Gurrola-Bice, and Erin Zamora, LMFT, LPCC

Building Cultural Responsiveness in Mobile Crisis Teams Session 5:
Focusing on children, youth, and families, this training video equips mobile crisis responders with essential tools and strategies for supporting young people and their caregivers during mental health crises. Drawing on deep community experience and subject matter expertise, the session recording emphasizes family systems, culturally responsive communication, and family-centered approaches to care.

Description

This is a recording of the fifth and final training in M-TAC’s five-part series designed to support mobile crisis teams in delivering culturally appropriate care to California’s diverse communities. Focusing on children, youth, and families, this training video equips mobile crisis responders with essential tools and strategies for supporting young people and their caregivers during mental health crises. Drawing on deep community experience and subject matter expertise, the session recording emphasizes family systems, culturally responsive communication, and family-centered approaches to care.

Viewers will explore practical methods for supporting both the individual in crisis and their caregivers, ensuring a compassionate and comprehensive response. Case examples and real-world stories illustrate effective practices and meaningful engagement during crisis interventions.

View Training Slides

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The Medi-Cal Mobile Crisis Training and Technical Assistance Center (M-TAC) is funded by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Policy Division (MCBH-PD). Contents Copyright © 2025 California DHCS MCBH-PD

M-TAC is not a direct service provider and does not provide any type of crisis response.

Our standard operating hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if it is safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency, please call 988, your county crisis hotline, or go to the nearest emergency room if it is safe.

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