Mobile crisis teams & crisis centers

A round-the-clock, clinically staffed crisis line is the hub of the system. In the U.S., that is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other local lines.

Mobile crisis teams provide fast, in-person help where the crisis is happening. They calm the situation and connect people to care, and can respond instead of police.

Crisis receiving and stabilization centers offer short-term care that people can reach easily, rather than relying on emergency rooms or hospitals.

Teams often pair a mental health clinician with a trained peer support worker, with psychiatrists or psychologists on call. Teams funded through Medicaid must include at least one behavioral health professional who can do an assessment.

Some areas use “co-responder” models, where police or emergency medical staff work alongside a mental health professional.

Peer workers have their own experience of recovery from mental health or substance use challenges. They often lead on building trust and may keep supporting people after the immediate crisis.

Qualifying Medicaid mobile crisis services must be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Hours in your area may still differ, so it helps to check ahead.

Mobile crisis teams aim to help people stay in the community, avoiding emergency visits and hospital stays where possible.

If more support is needed, the team may provide transport to a crisis receiving or stabilization center, with a “warm handoff” to the staff there.

Involuntary hospital care may be needed only when there is an immediate risk and other efforts haven’t worked.

• Ask 988 what crisis services exist in your area
• Ask your therapist, doctor or clinic
• Check your county or city mental health department website
• Search FindTreatment.gov for local services

• Any health conditions or substance use
• Any weapons in the home
• The address, and how to get in
• What is happening right now
• Who is with the person

Studies of local and state programs found that mobile crisis response gives better care to people with mental health and substance use conditions, and can prevent or limit justice system involvement.

• Ask whether a mental health or crisis team can come
• Say clearly that it is a mental health crisis
• Share what calms the person and any safety concerns

In co-responder areas, police or emergency staff may arrive alongside a mental health professional.

These centers offer immediate treatment and support to help someone through a crisis and connect them to ongoing care.

Names vary by area: crisis center, crisis stabilization unit, behavioral health urgent care or crisis receiving center.

Mobile crisis teams can bring people to these centers for a warm handoff. Ask 988 or your local crisis line how people get to centers near you.

Go to the ER for a medical emergency, such as a suspected overdose or serious injury. For a mental health crisis without immediate medical danger, a crisis center may be a better fit if one is nearby. See “Going to the ER for mental health”.

Teams for children and youth may include crisis specialists, therapists, case managers and trained peer and family support workers.

Good programs partner with schools, helping connect students to school-based mental health services and making sure needs in plans like an IEP are met.

• Tell them help is coming and they are not in trouble
• Keep the space quiet and calm
• Stay with them while the team talks, unless they ask for privacy
• Write down any plan or follow-up the team gives you

Billing for mobile crisis depends on the provider. SAMHSA recommends that no one be denied or delayed crisis services because they can’t pay.

Some states’ Medicaid plans cover mobile crisis services. A federal option lets qualifying states receive an 85% federal match for these services for a set period.

Coverage varies. If you get a bill, call the provider and your insurer to ask questions. “Paying for care & your rights” explains insurance terms and your options.

• Local crisis line, mobile team and crisis center numbers
• Nearest crisis center and ER
• Signs that a crisis is building
• What calms, and what makes things worse
• Who looks after children or pets
• Care team names and numbers

A psychiatric advance directive records your preferences for future mental health treatment, and can name a trusted person to speak for you in a crisis. Rules differ by state.

Make the plan together on a calm day, if you can. If someone won’t plan with you, the guide “When someone you love refuses help” has ideas.