mobile Crisis response team

Mobile Crisis Response 

Mobile Crisis Response provides immediate, compassionate support during mental health or substance use crises. Our Mobile Response Team (MRT) operates at no cost and was one of Maryland’s first crisis response services. By intervening directly in the community, we deliver professional care in non-restrictive environments, reducing reliance on emergency departments, inpatient hospitalization, and law enforcement. With highly qualified clinicians and peer support, we employ de-escalation techniques to reduce hospitalization, violence, and unnecessary incarceration while providing tailored, compassionate care. 

Key Components of Mobile Crisis Response 

1. 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 at home, work, school, or in a public setting. 

2. Multidisciplinary Teams 

• Teams include licensed mental health professionals (counselors, therapists, social workers) and peer support specialists (individuals with lived experience). 

• Diverse professionals collaborate to provide holistic care, addressing both psychological and social aspects of crises. 

3. Crisis Assessment and De-escalation 

• The team evaluates mental health status, risk factors, and immediate needs. 

• Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive de-escalation techniques reduce crisis intensity without coercion or force. 

4. Stabilization and Short-Term Support 

• Teams offer immediate interventions, such as counseling, coping strategies, and problem-solving. 

• Short-term follow-up services include safety planning and referrals for ongoing care. 

5. Connection to Resources 

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

• Partnerships with local agencies and community organizations ensure access to appropriate services. 

6. Avoiding Overuse of Emergency Services 

• Addressing crises in the community reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and prevents law enforcement involvement, which can escalate situations. 

• This approach alleviates pressure on emergency departments and allows police to focus on public safety. 

7. Focus on Dignity and Recovery 

• Person-centered interventions emphasize the dignity, autonomy, and strengths of the individual. 

• Services 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 waiting time for professional care. 

• Improved Outcomes: Early intervention prevents crisis escalation and supports long-term recovery. 

• Community Integration: Keeps individuals in their communities, maintaining connections with support systems. 

• Cost-Effective: Reduces the financial burden on emergency services and the healthcare system. 

• Culturally Adaptable: Provides care that aligns with cultural and linguistic needs. 

In Summary 

Mobile Crisis Response is a transformative approach to mental health care. It emphasizes immediacy, compassion, and connection to resources, fostering stability and recovery for individuals in crisis.