The Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) is a collaborative partnership between Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and Toronto Police Service (TPS). The program partners a mental health nurse from MGH and a specially trained police officer to respond to situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Coverage from mobile crisis intervention teams is now available throughout the City of Toronto.
The MCIT's mandate is to:
- Make an immediate on-site clinical assessment of the person in crisis
- Attempt to stabilize and defuse the crisis
- Assist in removing the individual from serious harm to themselves or others
- Provide supportive counselling, as needed
- Arrange appropriate mental health treatment through referrals to an appropriate agency or apprehension under the Mental Health Act
- Coordinate and facilitate transportation to the hospital emergency department if further psychiatric and medical assessment is required
Can I call MCIT?
No, you cannot call the MCIT directly. If you or someone around you is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222 or 911 in an emergency.
Are MCITs first responders?
No. Priority response units (PRU) are the officers that respond to all calls for service including 9-1-1 emergency calls. They will attend calls for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis first to ensure it is safe for the nurse. The MCIT will then attend as secondary responders when the PRU indicates that it is safe to do so. Although the MCIT has traditionally been considered a secondary responder, the program has evolved since its inception in 2000. The MCIT now may operate as a co-responder to calls that do not include weapons or any other safety concerns. This means, when appropriate, the MCIT will respond simultaneously with PRU officers.
Are MCITs accessible 24/7?
The MGH MCIT operates seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The MCITs across the City of Toronto operate seven days a week and, depending on the team, will work beginning at 11 a.m. and as late as 11 p.m. The hours are based on the times when police receive the highest number of calls related to people experiencing a mental health crisis. TPS is available 24/7 to attend 9-1-1 calls involving a person in crisis.
Does the MCIT use police vehicles?
Yes, the MCIT uses a police van designated for MCITs.
Do the teams use handcuffs?
The police officer has the responsibility to ensure individuals and the community are safe. However, police officers are able to use discretion in any situation where they may have to use hand cuffs.
If apprehended under the Mental Health Act (MHA), where will the person be taken?
An individual who may be experiencing a mental health crisis that is potentially a danger to themselves or others may be apprehended by police under the MHA. In doing so, the individual will be taken to the nearest psychiatric facility which is most often the nearest hospital emergency room.
Communities Serviced by Michael Garron Hospital MCIT
MGH's MCIT responds to calls in the neighbourhoods serviced by:
Division 53 North: Lawrence Ave W/Lawrence Ave. E, Bayview Ave. West: Spadina Rd., Eglinton Ave. W, Bathurst St. South: Prince Edward Viaduct, Bloor St. E/Bloor St. W East: Don River west branch, Canadian National Railway line, Canadian Pacific Railway line, Don River
Division 54 North: Eglinton Ave. E West: Don River, Canadian Pacific Railway line, Canadian National Railway line, Don River west branch South: Danforth Ave., Prince Edward Viaduct East: Victoria Park Ave.
Division 55 North: Prince Edward Viaduct, Danforth Ave. West: Don Roadway, Lakeshore Blvd. E, Don River South: Toronto shoreline East: Victoria Park Ave., Nursewood Rd.
TPS is currently partnered with the following hospitals for the MCIT program:
11/14/22 Divisions are partnered with St. Joseph's Health Centre
12/13/23/31 Divisions are partnered with Humber River Hospital
32/33 Divisions are partnered with North York General Hospital
41/42/43 Divisions are partnered with Scarborough Health Network
51/52 Divisions are partnered with St. Michael's Hospital
53/54/55 Divisions are partnered with Michael Garron Hospital
To learn more about Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams, click here.