The Mobile Crisis Response Team of Itasca County has proudly provided services to individuals experiencing Mental Health Crisis or Mental Health Distress since 1999. Our Adolescent Crisis Response Team launched in 2024 in efforts to better serve children and youth in crisis.
What is your service area: Our team responds within the boundaries of the County of Itasca, which includes communities of the Leech Lake Reservation and a catchment area of Northern Aitkin County (Hill City, Swatara, Shovel Lake and Jacobson). Our response locations include, but are not limited to: Private Homes, Schools, Emergency Rooms, Hospitals, Clinics, Churches, Residential Homes, Residential Facilities, Public Community Locations, Detox Centers, Assisted Living facilities, Homeless Shelters, etc.
What is a Mobile Crisis Team: Mobile crisis services are teams of mental health professionals and practitioners who are available 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week to provide rapid response services to those in mental health crisis or distress. Mobile Crisis Teams are uniquely trained to deliver early interventions, resolve crisis situations, and link people to needed services. Our services help to ensure that individuals get the needed level of care at the right time and ensure the person’s safety. The Adolescent Mobile Crisis Response Team (ACRT) is a specialized team designed to provide immediate, on-site assistance to children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis.
Why Mobile Crisis Response is Vital for Young People:
- Immediate Assistance in Crisis Situations: One of the most significant benefits of mobile crisis response services is their ability to provide immediate help. In moments of crisis, quick intervention can be life-saving, especially for children and adolescents who might not have the means or understanding to seek help.
- Reduces the Need for Hospitalization: Mobile crisis teams often prevent the need for hospitalization. By providing on-site assessments and interventions, these teams can de-escalate situations, reducing the trauma and disruption associated with hospital admissions.
- Supports the Family and Community: These services extend support not just to the individual in crisis, but also to their families and caregivers. They offer guidance and resources to help manage the situation effectively, fostering a supportive environment for recovery.
- Tailored Interventions: Mobile crisis response services are often tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. This age-specific approach is crucial as young people have different developmental needs and ways of processing emotions compared to adults.
- Promotes Mental Health Awareness: The presence of these services in communities raises awareness about mental health issues among young people. It breaks down stigma and encourages open discussions about mental health.
- Other Values: Mobile crisis services can divert students from the juvenile justice system. They are also a valuable resource for school social workers who are dealing with complex situations and in communicating with families.
When is the right time to call: The reasons for your mental health crisis — just like your mental health — are unique to you. What a crisis is for one person might not be for another. So when your behaviors and moods are not typical for you, that might mean you’re approaching or are in crisis. Symptoms might include: severe anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, desire to self-injure, significant sleep disturbance, emotional dysregulation, or feelings of distress. You do NOT need to be suicidal to access Mobile Crisis Services. We are here to support children and adolescents experiencing any level of Mental Health distress or crisis.
What are the costs related to this program: Our mobile team delivers services to all residents regardless of their ability to pay. Medical Insurance is billed if available. Services rendered by our Mobile Team are parent or guardian requested.
What Services do you provide:
Mobile crisis interventions are face-to-face, short-term, intensive mental health services provided during a mental health crisis or emergency.
- Mental Health Assessments
- Community Based Intervention Plans
- Community Based Stabilization Services
