Frequently Asked Questions
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency, contact local emergency services. For emotional distress or a behavioral-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988.
Questions and answers
What is mobile behavioral-health outreach?+
It brings outreach, engagement, screenings, support and referrals closer to people who face barriers reaching traditional offices.
Do I need stable housing to receive help?+
No. The program is designed to reach people who are unsheltered, in shelters, living in vehicles, hotels or other unstable arrangements.
Does submitting the form dispatch a crisis team?+
No. Staff must review the request. Immediate danger or a medical emergency requires emergency services.
Can I request support for another person?+
Yes. Provide the information you know, your relationship and any available consent or safe-contact details.
Will the person be forced to participate?+
Routine outreach and therapy generally require voluntary participation, subject to applicable emergency and legal requirements.
Can COCAS meet someone at an encampment or shelter?+
A location may be reviewed for outreach depending on safety, service area, staffing, partner access and participant consent.
Is every outreach worker a therapist?+
No. Teams may include outreach workers, peers, case managers, clinicians and other authorized professionals with different roles.
Can the program provide substance-use treatment?+
The program may provide authorized support or connect participants with appropriate treatment providers. Not every outreach worker is a treatment provider.
Is information confidential?+
COCAS uses privacy and security controls, but specific confidentiality rules depend on the service, provider and applicable law.
Can COCAS help with housing?+
Staff may provide housing navigation and referrals, but a housing placement or voucher is not guaranteed.
Can services be provided through telehealth?+
Telehealth may be available when participant location, provider authorization, privacy, technology and emergency planning requirements are satisfied.
What happens when staff cannot locate someone?+
Staff records contact attempts and may coordinate another safe attempt with the requester or an authorized partner.
Can a person receive services without insurance?+
Insurance should not be required for basic outreach or resource information. Availability of clinical services and funding must be reviewed separately.
Will police be contacted?+
Police or emergency responders are not automatically contacted for every request. Emergency and safety actions depend on the circumstances, applicable law and professional judgment.