1. How Transportation Support Works

Non-Emergency Transportation Only

EMHS provides non-emergency transportation support only. Transportation is not medical transport, not crisis response, and not emergency care, and does not replace calling 911 or seeking emergency services when needed.

Transportation support is an access service, not a treatment service.

Services Eligible for Transportation Support

Transportation support may be available for individuals accessing any service offered by Emergent Mental Health Services, including but not limited to:

• Individual mental health support
• Group services
• Peer support services
• Case management services
• Re-entry and referral-based services
• Other EMHS programs or supports

Transportation availability is not guaranteed and is subject to route coverage, safety considerations, staffing, and operational capacity.

Transportation support remains ancillary and access-focused and does not create a right to transportation for any specific service, visit, or appointment.

Designated Pickup Locations Only

Transportation support is limited to pre-approved public pickup locations, which may include:

• Public transit centers or bus stations
• Designated community pickup hubs
• Approved public release locations following incarceration
• The EMHS clinic location

🚫 Residential or door-to-door pickups are not provided under any circumstances.

Individuals are responsible for arriving at the designated pickup location on time.

2. Route-Based, Shared Transportation

Transportation is:

• Route-based, not individualized
• Shared with other individuals
• Subject to indirect routing and multiple stops

Pick-up and arrival times are approximate only and may change due to traffic, weather, safety concerns, or operational needs. EMHS does not guarantee exact arrival times or direct routes.

3. What to Expect When You Are Picked Up

Pickup Timing

• Pickup times are approximate, not exact
• Vehicles operate on planned routes, not individual schedules
• Vehicles may not be able to wait if you arrive late

Missed pickups may require you to arrange alternate transportation.

During the Ride

• Seatbelts must be worn at all times
• Follow all driver instructions
• Maintain respectful behavior toward others
• Keep personal belongings with you at all times

Transportation may be discontinued if behavior creates a safety concern.

4. Peer Support Presence During Transportation (AHCCCS-Scoped)

A Peer Support Specialist is present on all EMHS transportation routes.

Peer Support Specialists operate within their AHCCCS-approved scope of practice and may:

• Engage in voluntary peer support interactions
• Gather basic, non-clinical information to support engagement, access, and service linkage
• Provide limited crisis support, including:
  • Emotional support and reassurance
  • Grounding and de-escalation techniques
  • Encouragement to access services upon arrival

Peer Support Specialists do not:

• Provide clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment
• Provide medical care or emergency response
• Monitor, supervise, or observe passengers for safety
• Determine transport eligibility, fitness for services, or level of care
• Replace emergency services, crisis stabilization programs, or law enforcement

Peer support during transportation:

• Is non-clinical and non-custodial
• Is not continuous observation or monitoring
• Does not create a therapeutic, supervisory, or emergency duty
• Does not convert transportation into crisis or medical transport
• Is not a substitute for calling 911 or accessing emergency care

Participation in peer support interaction is voluntary and may be declined at any time.

5. Safety & Limitations

Transportation will not be provided or may be ended immediately if:

• A medical or psychiatric emergency arises
• There is active intoxication that creates a safety risk
• There is aggressive, threatening, or disruptive behavior
• Instructions are not followed

Drivers do not provide clinical care, crisis counseling, or medical monitoring.

Discontinuation of transportation for safety reasons does not constitute abandonment.

6. Re-Entry & Community Access Support

When available, transportation support may assist individuals:

• Following release from correctional or detention facilities (post-release only)
• Traveling from public transit hubs to access services
• Navigating access barriers related to re-entry or community transition

EMHS does not assume custody, supervision, or monitoring responsibility during transportation.

7. Arrival at the Clinic

• Transportation is provided to the EMHS clinic only
• Return transportation, if available, is not guaranteed
• Transportation availability does not determine eligibility for services

8. Important Transportation Boundaries

To ensure clarity and safety:

• Transportation support is not guaranteed
• Transportation may be delayed, modified, refused, or unavailable
• Transportation does not create a clinical, custodial, or supervisory relationship
• EMHS does not coordinate personal travel, errands, or non-clinic destinations
• Transportation availability does not affect eligibility for clinical services

9. Transportation Is Optional and Separate from Services

• Using transportation support is voluntary
• Declining transportation does not affect eligibility for services
• Transportation is an access support, not a required part of care

10. Personal Items & Prohibited Items

• Keep personal belongings with you at all times
• EMHS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items
• Weapons, illegal substances, and open containers are not permitted
• Items that create safety concerns may result in refusal of transport

11. Substance Use Expectations

• Transportation will not be provided if intoxication creates a safety risk
• Mild emotional distress related to substance use may be supported without intoxication
• Drivers and peers do not manage withdrawal or medical symptoms

12. Medical & Mobility Considerations

• EMHS transportation is not ADA transport
• Vehicles are not equipped for:
  • Wheelchairs
  • Medical devices
  • Oxygen or medical monitoring
• Individuals must be able to independently enter and exit the vehicle

Alternative transportation may be required if additional accommodations are needed.

13. Weather, Traffic & Operational Delays

• Delays may occur due to traffic, weather, or road conditions
• Routes may be adjusted or canceled for safety
• EMHS is not responsible for missed appointments due to delays

Transportation is provided as available, not guaranteed.

14. Communication During Transport

• Drivers may not be able to answer calls or texts while driving
• Updates may be limited once routes are in progress
• Lack of response does not indicate transportation has been canceled

15. Emergencies

• EMHS transportation is non-emergency
• If an emergency arises before pickup, call 911
• If an emergency arises during transport, staff will follow safety protocols, which may include contacting emergency services

16. Acknowledgment of Terms

By requesting or using transportation support, individuals acknowledge that they:

• Understand transportation is limited and not guaranteed
• Accept route-based, shared transportation
• Agree to follow safety and conduct expectations
• Understand transportation is not treatment or emergency care

17. How to Request Transportation Support

Transportation support may be requested during:

• Intake or referral coordination
• Scheduling conversations
• Same-day access screening

Requests are reviewed based on availability, safety, and operational capacity.