Mobile Crisis Response (MCR)
refers to a community-based intervention model designed to provide immediate support and services to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. It aims to offer rapid, on-site assistance, reducing the need for law enforcement or hospital emergency rooms in non-violent situations. Here’s an overview:
Key Features
Rapid Deployment
Rapid Deployment
Teams respond quickly to crisis calls, often within 30–60 minutes.
Teams respond quickly to crisis calls, often within 30–60 minutes.
Multidisciplinary Teams
Multidisciplinary Teams
​Mobile Crisis Teams Therapists, Social Workers, and Medical Professionals Working Together
Mobile Crisis Teams Therapists, Social Workers, and Medical Professionals Working Together
On-Site Assessment and Intervention
On-Site Assessment and Intervention
Teams provide evaluations, de-escalation, and support at the location of the crisis (e.g., home, school, or public spaces).
Teams provide evaluations, de-escalation, and support at the location of the crisis (e.g., home, school, or public spaces).
Focus on De-escalation
Focus on De-escalation
The goal is to stabilize the individual in their current environment without the use of force or unnecessary hospitalization.
The goal is to stabilize the individual in their current environment without the use of force or unnecessary hospitalization.
Linkage to Services
Linkage to Services
MCR teams connect individuals to appropriate ongoing mental health services, such as counseling, medication management, or housing support.
​MCR teams connect individuals to appropriate ongoing mental health services, such as counseling, medication management, or housing support.
​Trauma-Informed and Person-Centered
Trauma-Informed and Person-Centered
Teams approach individuals with empathy, aiming to reduce trauma and respect personal autonomy.
Teams approach individuals with empathy, aiming to reduce trauma and respect personal autonomy.
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Key Benefits of Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Reduces Police Involvement
​Prevents unnecessary criminalization of mental health crises.
Cost-Effective
Decreases hospital admissions and reliance on emergency services.
Improves Outcomes
Provides specialized care tailored to the individual’s needs.
Promotes Community Safety
Ensures that individuals in crisis and those around them remain safe.
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Active Behavioral Health CrisisThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Need for Urgent InterventionThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Presence of Specific Risk FactorsThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Potential for DecompensationThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
These criteria are detailed in the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) Mental Health Services Manual, Appendix G, which provides comprehensive guidelines for MCR services in Virginia
It’s important to note that MCR services are designed to provide immediate, on-site assistance to individuals in crisis, aiming to stabilize situations and connect individuals with appropriate ongoing support. For the most accurate and personalized information, individuals should contact their local MCR provider or community mental health agency. In Virginia, residents can dial 988 to connect with crisis services and receive guidance on available support.
