OKC expands Mobile Integrated Healthcare programs

Oklahoma City is taking a new approach to mental and behavioral health emergencies, focusing on care that meets residents where they are. With repeated 911 calls and rising demands for support, the city saw the need for a system that could connect people to help quickly and reduce unnecessary emergency responses. The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, or MIH, is designed to do just that. 

MIH operates through four specialized teams, each addressing different levels of need. At the 911 Communications Center, the Crisis Call Diversion team handles calls involving mental or behavioral health issues. Trained professionals guide callers through the moment, stabilizing the situation, connecting them to services or sending a mobile team if on-site help is needed. The goal is to provide immediate support while limiting unnecessary in-person responses. 

When a situation escalates, the Crisis Response Team steps in. Responding to emergencies where someone may be a danger to themselves or others, the team works to calm crises and connect residents with immediate care. They may respond alone or alongside law enforcement officers trained in crisis intervention. On-scene stabilization and follow-up care are key parts of their work, helping residents navigate difficult moments safely. 

The Alternative Response Team focuses on less urgent calls and substance use emergencies, including overdoses. ART provides on-scene care, distributes tools such as Narcan and begins linking residents to recovery services. The team continues to support follow-up care, helping individuals maintain progress after a crisis. 

For residents who frequently call 911 for non-emergency needs, the Community Advocacy Program offers long-term support. CAP staff meet one-on-one with residents to address underlying challenges, including housing, food, transportation and medical care. By building relationships and connecting residents to ongoing services, the program reduces repeated emergency calls and helps improve daily life. 

City officials say the MIH program allows emergency responders to focus on critical situations while ensuring residents with behavioral health needs receive timely, appropriate care. For many residents, MIH is more than a program; it’s a pathway to stability, safety and lasting support.