Mental Evaluation Team - Resources
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET) provides crisis assessment and stabilization to de-escalate potentially violent situations when first responders encounter a person experiencing a mental health crisis in the field. Each team consists of a highly trained deputy sheriff (with over 750 hours of mental health training) and a licensed Department of Mental Health (DMH) clinician.
MET provides field crisis intervention, mental health support, and appropriate psychiatric placement for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The team prepares the necessary documentation for placing individuals in acute inpatient psychiatric facilities, linking them to outpatient mental health services, and/or connecting them with appropriate community resources. Additionally, MET provides resources and educates families about the least restrictive options for mental health care.
The mission of this co-response model is to provide compassionate, respectful, and effective crisis stabilization while reducing use-of-force incidents, minimizing mental health stigma, and promoting best-practice mental health care and diversion from incarceration.
Disclaimer:
The Mental Evaluation Team (MET) does not accept direct public requests for response. If you need assistance for someone experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local law enforcement agency. The responding agency will assess the situation and notify MET if assistance is appropriate.
Veterans Mental Evaluation Team (VMET)
The Veterans Mental Evaluation Team (VMET) is a specialized unit within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) dedicated to assisting veterans experiencing mental health crises. It was created as an extension of the Mental Evaluation Team (MET) to address the unique challenges veterans face, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), depression, and substance use disorders.
How VMET Works
VMET pairs specially trained deputies with licensed mental health clinicians to handle veteran-related crises. Their approach prioritizes de-escalation, crisis intervention, and connection to veteran-specific resources rather than incarceration or hospitalization. Key functions include:
- Verbal de-escalation techniques tailored to veterans
- On-scene mental health assessments
- Referral to VA hospitals, housing programs, and treatment centers
- Ongoing support to prevent future crises
- Impact and Success
VMET has reduced violent encounters, prevented suicides, and helped veterans receive the care they need. By collaborating with the VA, nonprofit veteran organizations, and community mental health services, VMET ensures long-term support beyond the initial crisis. Its success has inspired similar programs nationwide, bridging the gap between law enforcement and veteran mental health care.
Future Goals
VMET continues to expand by increasing trained personnel, enhancing partnerships, and incorporating technology to better identify and assist at-risk veterans. Its treatment-focused approach honors veterans’ service by ensuring they receive care, dignity, and stability, rather than punishment.
Risk Assessment Management Program (RAMP)
The Mental Evaluation Team Risk Assessment Management Program helps identify, assess, and manage individuals who may be at risk of self-harm, violence, or repeated mental health crises. RAMP uses prior contacts, follow-ups, welfare checks, and collaboration with DMH, hospitals, and social services to connect individuals and families with appropriate care and support.
The goal of RAMP is to reduce repeat crisis calls and 5150 holds, improve safety for deputies and community members, increase access to mental health resources, support de-escalation, and help prevent the criminalization of mental illness through diversion and care.
MET Brochure
This brochure provides easy access to 24/7 mental health and crisis resources in Los Angeles County, including the Department of Mental Health ACCESS Line, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and guidance on when to seek MET support or call 911. It also connects individuals and families to urgent care centers, community hotlines, psychiatric emergency services, and specialized resources for youth, veterans, and vulnerable populations.
Special Alert Program
The Special Alert Program allows families and caregivers to voluntarily share important safety and support information with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department about a loved one with special needs, such as a mental health condition, developmental disability, or medical issue. When deputies are dispatched to a registered address, they receive this information in advance so they can respond more safely, calmly, and appropriately. The program helps prevent misunderstandings and supports compassionate, informed responses during emergencies.
Outside Resouces
9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential emotional support 24/7 for people experiencing mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, or emotional crises. Anyone can call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors who listen, provide support, and help connect individuals to local resources when needed.
Aging & Disabilities Department
The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department provides services and support for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers across Los Angeles County. The department connects residents to programs such as in-home support, adult protective services, benefits counseling, and community resources that promote safety, independence, and quality of life.
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
The Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provides education, support, and resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their families and caregivers. The organization offers caregiver support groups, care consultations, training, and community programs to help families navigate the challenges of dementia with knowledge and compassion.
Crisis Response Project – CRP
This is the Crisis Response Project (CRP), a Los Angeles County–funded, community-based program run by the California Institute for Women and Prisoners. CRP provides non-law-enforcement crisis support, helping people experiencing emotional or behavioral health crises connect to stabilizing services, resources, and follow-up care through community partners rather than jail or emergency rooms.
Findhelp.org
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health ACCESS Hotline provides free, 24/7 mental health support and referrals for Los Angeles County residents. By calling (800) 854-7771, individuals and families can get help during mental health crises that are not life-threatening and be connected to outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and other local mental health resources.
Help.org
The Help.org Inpatient Rehab Programs page provides information on residential treatment options for substance use disorders across the United States. It helps individuals and families understand what inpatient rehab is, what services are typically provided, and how to find appropriate treatment programs based on location and need.
LA Found
LA Found is a public safety program that helps quickly locate missing, at-risk individuals—such as seniors, people with dementia, autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or mental health conditions. The program uses voluntary enrollment and tracking technology to assist the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and partner agencies in safely locating individuals and reuniting them with their families.
Los Angeles Homeless Outreach Portal
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) LA-HOP portal allows residents and outreach partners to request help for people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. Submitted requests are routed to local outreach teams who attempt to locate the individual, assess their needs, and connect them to shelter, services, and ongoing support.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is an evidence-based screening tool used worldwide to help identify suicide risk and guide appropriate intervention. It supports clinicians, first responders, and organizations in asking clear, standardized questions to determine risk level and connect individuals to timely support and care.
SAMHSA National Helpline
The SAMHSA National Helpline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges. By calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visiting the website, people can receive treatment referrals, information, and local resources in English and Spanish.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by mental illness and their families. NAMI offers free resources such as support groups, educational programs, helplines, and tools to help people understand mental health conditions and navigate care and recovery.
RecoverLA.org
RecoverLA.org is a free, mobile-friendly website created by Los Angeles County to help people struggling with drug or alcohol use get connected to the help they need—fast and easily.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. By calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online, individuals can connect with trained responders—many of whom are Veterans—who understand military culture and can help during times of crisis.
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