If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, there is a free diagnostic made available by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. [Click here] for a link to the free, completely anonymous diagnostic test. 

Health and law enforcement officials are teaming up to increase Santa Clarita Valley resources in response to a rise in concern about mental health issues.

The new Mental Evaluation Teams, a joint effort between the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Mental Health, are going to be staffed seven days a week, attending to mental health issues, attempted suicides and domestic violence-related law enforcement calls.

There will be three teams, a clinician and a specially trained deputy, for the North County patrol area including the Santa Clarita Valley, Lancaster and Palmdale, according to Sheriff’s Department officials.

“The advantage is, (deputies) will have a lot more resources available to them,” said Lt. Carlos Marquez, who works with the Mental Evaluation Team for the Homeland Security Division of the Sheriff’s Department.

The program is a huge boon to the Sheriff’s Department in three areas, Marquez said. It increases the Sheriff’s Department’s resources, it will improve the care for mental health patients and it will help families of those who are caring for and involved with mental health concerns, after the call or report.

The increase in resources comes amid reports the three-station North County area — Lancaster, Palmdale and Santa Clarita — leads the entire county in attempted and completed suicides, as well as mental distress or “5150” calls, according to Sheriff’s Department data. The Santa Clarita Valley has also seen an anomalous spike in murders over the last seven months, several of which are suspected to be tied directly to mental health concerns.

In the past, deputies responding to calls involving mental health concerns for a distressed person have been somewhat limited in the resources available to them, Marquez said. Now, in addition to the 5150 designation — meaning the person is transported to the local mental health unit for specialized care at a facility such as Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and required to stay for a 72-hour hold — there’s a trained clinician, alongside a specially trained deputy, who can determine in the field if there’s a more appropriate course of action available, Marquez said.

“(The teams) will have the ability to say, based on the patient’s history and whether they’ve been in the system or not, a number of things,” Marquez said, such as whether a patient needs to be at a specific facility.

The program also makes the mentally distressed person or people more comfortable when there is contact with law enforcement, Marquez said. MET officials don’t where the traditional patrol uniforms, which can increase anxiety among those with mental health issues who are in distress.

“It really minimizes any kind of force and any kind of a negative contact,” Marquez said.

“Our goal is to provide necessary evaluation, service referrals and transportation as the situations dictates,” said Capt. Roosevelt Johnson of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “There are things people can do that may help prevent crimes related to domestic and family violence from happening. Reporting suspicions of abuse, contacting local agencies for help as needed, and modeling good behavior will go a long way towards preventing tragedies.”

In addition to creating a more positive outcome for mental health patients, the families of those in need of help should also see a benefit.

“There’s often family involved, and the MET team has a lot more information they can provide to the family afterward,” Marquez said, adding the hope is that those in distress will recognize officials as “not just law enforcement, but as someone trying to help them.”

The list below is from a coalition of Santa Clarita Valley officials who are working in concert to increase awareness and communication about local resources.

There are 24-hour numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call 1-800-273-8255, for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; 1-800-854-7771, for The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health; and 1-800-784-2433, for The Treatment Advocacy Center. You can contact the SCV Child & Family Center at 661-259-9439. The phone number for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project is 661-257-9688.

Mental health concerns are linked to numerous problems, but the message the group is trying to spread is that there is always someone to talk to, and the Santa Clarita Valley offers a variety of free and low-cost options for those seeking help.

It’s also important to keep in mind that anybody can be at risk for suicide and there is no single stereotype of a person at risk of suicide, according to Suicide Prevention Resource Center officials.

There are three steps in preventing suicide: Ask, listen and stay with them, and get help.

If someone is showing signs of being suicidal, ask them directly and unambiguously and be prepared for the answer, she said. It will decrease their risk because it shows someone is willing help.

If they say they are suicidal, listen and allow the person to express their feelings and let them “tell their story.” Do not leave them alone.

And lastly, get help. Get the person appropriate help. Help is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or at suicideprevention.org.

Here are some warning signs for those who might know someone or be in need themselves, courtesy of Larry Schallert, assistant director of the Student Health & Wellness/Mental Health Program at College of the Canyons:

* Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself

* Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun

* Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

* Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

* Talking about being a burden to others

* Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

* Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly

* Sleeping too little or too much

* Withdrawing or feeling isolated

* Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

* Displaying extreme moods