One of the changes coming from the newly approved Culver City budget will be increased hours and additional staff for the Mobile Crisis Unit. Dr. Dan Richardson, the leader of the Mobile Crisis Team, stated that he was “very excited to extend operating hours and provide more assistance in the community.”
The Mobile Crisis Team is designed to respond to non-emergency calls pertaining to mental health. Mental health crises include difficult and destabilizing situations such as depression, anxiety, grief, bullying, substance use, psychological or behavioral issues. The MCT also facilitates relevant referrals to housing and homeless services.
The MCT is in process of re-hiring for a current position, and adding two more, both mental health professionals. The team also works closely with other Culver City first responders, including paramedic units and police.
From November 2025 to February 2026, the Mobile Crisis Team responded to 385 calls to the crisis line and homeless outreach requests. During that period, the team has engaged with 240 people.
Taking the onus of response off of the police and using a mental health focused approach has also prompted more people in the city to call the team for help rather than report a person in crisis to the police; often there is no crime involved.
The proposed new hours will expand coverage from the current schedule of Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, out to seven days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm. The date for the new hours to begin has yet to be announced.
If you see someone in crisis, you can reach out to the Mobile Crisis Team at (310) 253-5770
