The Mobile Response Program is an expansion of the Health Department’s existing Crisis Care Program and its voluntary Respite Program. With the addition of mobile response services, the Crisis Care Program will be able to dispatch a highly specialized two-person team to assist a person experiencing a mental health crisis in Lake County. Each team includes a mental health clinician and engagement specialist. 

This program is innovative and unique with the inclusion of an engagement specialist who has lived experience of mental illness, or substance use disorders. Engagement specialists are individuals who have been successful in the recovery process and are skilled to help others experiencing similar situations. 

“We are proud to add the Mobile Response Program to our existing mental health services” said Sam Johnson, Director of Behavioral Health at the Lake County Health Department. “Especially important is having a Mobile Response Team with lived experience and understanding of the individual’s crisis.  ” 

 Mental health clinicians and those who have first-hand experience with mental health illness or substance use disorders, and who want to make a difference in the community as an engagement specialist, are encouraged to apply.  For more information, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/4652/Mobile-Response-Program. 

“While the program will ultimately provide mental health emergency services, we hope that it will also reduce the stigma surrounding mental health crisis.  This program strives to create space for meaningful conversations about what a person needs during a mental health emergency,” said Amy Greskiw, Program Coordinator of the Mobile Response Program. “We know that we can’t do this alone. Collaboration with clients and the community is going to be crucial in making sure that the Mobile Response Program is successful.”