Mobile Crisis Mental Health Services

Mobile crisis providers are certified under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0624 (Crisis Response Services) and Chapter 245I (Mental Health Uniform Service Standards Act) to provide voluntary face-to-face, short-term, intensive mental health services delivered during a mental health crisis or emergency.

Mobile crisis teams are composed of trained mental health professionals and practitioners who provide on-site mental health crisis intervention and support to individuals in homes and other community-based settings outside of traditional clinical environments. These teams provide rapid response services, conduct comprehensive assessments, de-escalate and help stabilize crisis situations, and coordinate referrals to appropriate follow-up care and support services.

Services

Mobile crisis interventions are face-to-face, short-term, intensive mental health services provided during a mental health crisis or emergency. These services are designed to:

  • Provide immediate support to individuals to help cope with immediate stressors and mental health symptoms.
  • Conduct crisis screening, comprehensive assessment, intervention, and stabilization services.
  • Assist individuals in de-escalating the crisis and returning to their baseline level of functioning.
  • Facilitate connections to appropriate community-based resources and follow-up services to assist with managing mental health needs.
  • Provide families and individuals with access to qualified responders who can deliver crisis assessment and intervention services.

Mobile crisis services are available statewide throughout Minnesota for both adults and children. Teams operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week—including evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure access to crisis response services.

Key benefits

Health, safety and prevention

Mobile Crisis Teams provide early intervention during mental health crises, ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of care at the right time. Services prioritize safety of the person in crisis and support timely stabilization.

Support and Collaboration 

Mobile Crisis Teams strengthen local health and human service systems through close collaboration with hospitals, clinics, and community-based providers. Teams offer valuable support to medical professionals by facilitating referrals and access to ongoing mental health treatment.

Navigation

Mobile Crisis Teams assist individuals in navigating the health care system to access the services and resources they need following a mental health crisis. This support helps individuals maintain mental health stability and promotes continued progress in recovery.

Cost effectiveness

Mobile crisis services offer a cost-effective alternative to higher-cost or improper settings, such as emergency departments or the criminal justice system, by diverting individuals from unnecessary institutional involvement and promoting access to appropriate care.

Health care

Mobile crisis services help individuals access appropriate health care support and can assist medical professionals in recommending suitable services for those experiencing a mental health crisis. By offering timely guidance and coordination, these services promote effective care pathways and support improved outcomes.

Emergency Services Collaboration

Mobile Crisis Teams provide individuals and families with access to clinically informed responses as an alternative to a law-enforcement-only response during mental health crises. This model recognizes that law enforcement may be involved when necessary, while emphasizing that mental health crises are addressed by trained professionals. Increasing collaboration and co-response efforts between crisis teams and emergency services is intended to enhance the quality of services provided to individuals experiencing a crisis while promoting the safety of everyone involved. Partnerships between mobile crisis teams and local emergency service providers continue to strengthen, resulting in improved service coordination, increased safety, and timely, appropriate responses for individuals in need.

Schools

Mobile crisis services can be a valuable resource for school social workers.  These services support effective communication, coordination, and access to appropriate mental health interventions for students and families during crisis situations.

Human services

Contacting a Mobile Crisis Team may serve as an entry point for accessing case management and other county services. County staff may collaborate with Mobile Crisis Teams to consult on additional resources, including other county programs, to ensure comprehensive support for individuals in need.