During the year 2012, the Crisis Intervention Team followed 1282 clients and only 169 of them needed to be hospitalised at Mount Carmel Hospital. The rest continued to be followed either by the Out Patients Unit of Mater Dei Hospital or by other psychiatric team that is working within the community. This was stated by Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care Hon Mario Galea while paying a visit to the Crisis Intervention Team.

The Crisis Intervention Team started operating in December 2010 from Mater Dei Hospital and offers intensive support to people who experience a psychiatric crisis. The team gives its support too in case of attempted suicide and aids patients who face mental health problems.

Mario Galea added that besides services offered at Mount Carmel Hospital, the government is increasingly investing in the field of mental health in our communities. This is done in conjunction with directives of the World Health Organization. The Government has invested in 160 professionals working in the community, five day centres for persons who have mental health problems, and six mental clinics in the community.

Mario Galea said that currently there is a partnership with the Housing Authority to aid clients who complete their course of treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital but have nowhere to live in.
The Crisis Intervention Team’s importance was felt during the Christmas festivities where more than 80 clients used the services.