Mobile Crisis: What it is and how it can help you

Here are some important resources from that our
LOLHS Counseling Department would like to share:

Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS) is for children and teens experiencing a mental health crisis. The program has a team of trained mental health professionals, which includes licensed clinicians, social workers, and psychiatric nurses, who can respond immediately by phone or face-to-face when a child is experiencing an emotional or behavioral crisis. The program aims to reduce hospital emergency room visits by serving kids in their homes and/or communities. Some of the core services provided include:

• Rapid Response: MCIS teams are typically available 24/7 and can respond quickly to crises in the community. They are often dispatched to where the crisis occurs, whether it's a home, school, workplace, or public space.
• Assessment and Triage: When responding to a crisis, MCIS professionals thoroughly assess the individual's mental and emotional state. They triage the situation to determine the level of care needed, which may include referrals to outpatient services, crisis stabilization units, or hospitalization if required.
• De-Escalation: MCIS teams are skilled in de-escalating crisis situations. They use communication and de-escalation techniques to help individuals regain a sense of control and safety while avoiding the use of force or coercion.
• Safety Planning: Professionals working on MCIS teams help individuals develop safety plans to prevent future crises. These plans often involve identifying triggers, coping strategies, and sources of support.
• Referrals and Coordination: MCIS teams have access to a network of mental health resources and can make referrals to appropriate services, including outpatient therapy, substance abuse treatment, or crisis stabilization programs. They also coordinate with existing mental health providers.

When to Call:
If a child is in crisis, dial 211 and select option 1. You should call when:

• Having a behavioral crisis that’s too much to handle on your own.
• Uncommunicative to you.
• Out of control or destroying property.
• At risk of acting violently or dangerously.
• At risk of threatening to hurt him/herself or others.

If a person is in imminent danger, call 911 first.
What Will Happen:

• You will be connected to a trained Mobile Crisis counselor.
• Mobile Crisis will help resolve the crisis immediately over the phone or will come immediately to your location.
• Mobile Crisis responds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Services are confidential, and there is no cost to the family.

Other Local Resources:
Kids In Crisis
24-hour Helpline – 203-661-1911
Families, children and community providers may call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and speak to a live counselor.