Learn about the City's process to develop the Care Team through this series of reports and recorded presentations.  

Staff Reports to City Council: 

• January 21, 2025 staff report
• June 26, 2023 staff report
• August 15, 2022 staff report 
• March 21, 2022 staff report 
• November 15, 2021 staff report
• August 16, 2021 staff report

Memorandum of Understanding - City + LA County DMH effective October 2023
To connect the City's Care Team to the LA County Department of Mental Health Alternative Crisis Response System, the two parties established an MOU describing protocols for the collaboration. Reference the MOU here.

Update #1 - November 15, 2021, Proposed Behavioral Health Crisis Response Unit

Introduction - August 16, 2021, Proposed Behavioral Health Crisis Response Unit

Since its launching in September 2023, the pilot West Hollywood Care Team behavioral health initiative has made a significant impact on community health and well-being. Care Team behavioral health services are available to all West Hollywood community members. Below is a snapshot of key demographics, services provided, and success stories that highlight the program's ongoing contributions to improving quality of life for West Hollywood community members. The data below represents the period between September 2023 and July 2024.

Demographics

• Total Individuals Served: 450 unique individuals
• Age Groups:
  • 27% aged 18-34
  • 26% aged 35-49
  • 38% aged 50 and older
  • 9% Decline to State
• Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds:
  • 28% White
  • 25% Black/African-American
  • 12% Hispanic/Latinx
  • 4% Other/Multiracial
  • 1% Asian/Pacific Islander
  • 29% Decline to State

Services Provided

• Crisis Responses: Over 500 behavioral health crises addressed
• Types of Services:
  • Crisis stabilization
  • Safety planning
  • Suicide prevention
  • Substance use disorder support
  • Wellness checks and welfare concerns
• Connections to Ongoing Services:
  • 81% of individuals connected to social services or mental health care within 48 hours for ongoing care and long-term wellness

Program Successes

• De-escalation: 96% of cases stabilized without involving law enforcement or escalating to emergency hospitalizations
• Intersection of Care Team and People Experiencing Homelessness:
  • To-date, 59% of behavioral health engagements have involved unhoused individuals
  • Strong partnerships and coordination with homeless service providers (Ascencia, Healthcare in Action)

Success Stories

Support for a Domestic Violence Survivor: In July 2024, the Care Team helped a 42-year-old female fleeing domestic violence, transporting her to a shelter and providing ongoing support. They later coordinated with housing providers to secure her access to permanent housing.

Housing and Family Reunification for Unhoused Male: In March 2024, the Care Team helped a 30-year-old male secure temporary shelter and reconnect with his out-of-state family, facilitating his return home and providing emotional support.

Mental Health Crisis for an Older Adult: In October 2023, the Care Team de-escalated a severe mental health crisis for a 61-year-old female experiencing paranoia and hallucinations. They arranged a 5150 hold for psychiatric care and collaborated with Adult Protective Services for follow-up support.

Family Reunification and Housing Success: In March 2024, the Care Team aided a 37-year-old female and her two children, living in their car, by providing supplies and reconnecting them with a case manager. This led to temporary shelter and eventually permanent housing.