Mobile Outreach Support Team (MOST)

What is MOST?

The Mobile Outreach Support Team (MOST) is the latest addition to the County’s expanding network of care for people experiencing mental health and substance use issues. The MOST program is coordinated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in partnership with the Police and Fire Departments and the Emergency Communications Center, which operates the County’s 911 system.

The MOST will provide a range of essential functions that include: 

• Triage/screening, including explicit screening for suicidality
• Assessment
• De-escalation/resolution
• Peer support
• Coordination with medical and behavioral health services
• Crisis planning and follow-up
• Homeless outreach

In addition to these core functions, the MOST will be equipped with:

• Harm reduction tools (Narcan and fentanyl test strips)
• Clothing
• Hygiene items
• Non-perishable food
• Water

Members of the MOST include:

• Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician
• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
• TOW/PATH Outreach Worker
• Partnerships with, and access to County service providers and other resources

   

Goals of the MOST:

• Increase access to mental health & substance use treatment in Arlington.
• Decrease the role of non-clinical first responders in addressing mental health needs.
• Provide alternatives to incarceration for those engaged in “nuisance crimes/behaviors”
• Decrease Emergency Department visits and psychiatric hospital admissions.

Starting July 31, 2023