Leading the way in mental health crisis response: because every second counts

mobile response team

Mobile Crisis Response is a service designed to provide immediate and compassionate support during a mental health or substance use crisis. Our Mobile Response Team (MRT) is available at no cost and is one of the first crisis response services established in Maryland. By intervening directly in the community, we offer professional care in non-restrictive environments, aiming to reduce reliance on emergency departments, inpatient hospitalization, and law enforcement. With highly qualified clinicians and peer support, we take pride in effectively using de-escalation interventions to reduce hospitalization, violence, and unnecessary incarceration while providing tailored, compassionate care for individuals in crisis.

Key Components of Mobile Crisis Response:

Rapid and Accessible Care:

-Services are often available 24/7 to ensure immediate access during crises.

-Teams are dispatched to the individual’s location, whether it’s their home, workplace, school, or a public setting.

Multidisciplinary Teams:

-Teams are composed of licensed mental health professionals (e.g., counselors, therapists, social workers) and peer support specialists (individuals –with lived experience).

-These diverse professionals collaborate to provide holistic care, addressing the psychological and social aspects of the crisis.

Crisis Assessment and De-escalation:

-The team assesses the individual’s mental health status, risk factors, and immediate needs.

-They employ trauma-informed and culturally sensitive de-escalation techniques to reduce the intensity of the crisis without coercion or force.

Stabilization and Short-Term Support:

-Teams provide immediate interventions, such as counseling, coping strategies, and problem-solving to stabilize the situation.

-They offer short-term follow-up services, including safety planning and referrals for ongoing care.

Connection to Resources:

-Mobile crisis teams connect individuals with long-term care options, such as outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, housing support, or substance use treatment programs.

-They often work with local agencies and community organizations to ensure the individual has access to the appropriate services.

Avoiding Overuse of Emergency Services:

-By addressing crises in the community, these teams help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent interactions with law enforcement, which can sometimes escalate situations.

-This approach also alleviates pressure on emergency departments and allows police to focus on public safety rather than mental health issues.

Focus on Dignity and Recovery:

-The intervention is person-centered, emphasizing the dignity, autonomy, and strengths of the individual.

-Services are designed to empower individuals to regain control of their situation and make informed decisions about their care.

Benefits of Mobile Crisis Response:

-Timely Help in a Crisis: Reduces the waiting time for professional care during emergencies.

-Improved Outcomes: Early intervention can prevent crises from escalating, leading to better long-term recovery.

-Community Integration: Keeps individuals in their communities and maintains connections with their support systems.

-Cost-Effective: Significantly reduces the financial burden on emergency services and the healthcare system.

-Culturally Adaptable: Teams can provide care that aligns with the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations.

In summary, Mobile Crisis Response is a transformative approach to mental health care, emphasizing immediacy, compassion, and connection to appropriate resources, while fostering stability and recovery for individuals in crisis.