Crisis Services
Crisis Services Overview
MLBH offers a range of crisis services designed to provide immediate support and stabilization for those in the community facing acute emotional or psychological distress. These services include same-day intake assessments with masters-level clinicians who can evaluate risk and develop short-term safety plans. MLBH also provides 24/7/265 Mobile Crisis Team coverage to both Marshall and Jackson counties. In more severe cases, the MCT may coordinate admissions to inpatient care when needed.
MLBH’s Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) is an extension of its ‘no wrong door to treatment’ philosophy. The MCT is a mobile crisis intervention team that operates in Marshall County and Jackson County 24/7/365 days a year. Each MCT team consists of a trained master-level clinician and a peer support specialist or case manager. The goal of the MCT is to reduce harm, prevent unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration, and connect people to appropriate care in a compassionate and timely way. The MCT can be contacted directly by clients and their families; but also, by law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and other agencies. If clinically indicated, the MCT provides immediate on-site support to anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis regardless of age, insurance coverage, or any other traditional barriers to treatment. The MCT can meet the person in their current environment; such as their home, their school, or any other safe and appropriate place. The MCT provides rapid and comprehensive assessment, deescalation, and stabilization through trauma informed methods and using evidenced-based assessment tools. The MCT provides care coordination past the crisis including warm handoffs to outpatient services to ensure continued care.
A mobile crisis team is a two‑person team made up of a clinician and a peer support specialist or case manager who respond in person to individuals experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis. Instead of requiring someone to call an ambulance or go to a hospital, the team travels to where the person is—such as their home, school, or another appropriate location. Mobile crisis teams assist during situations involving intense emotional distress, anxiety or panic attacks, confusion or psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Upon arrival, the team works to calm and stabilize the situation, assess safety risks, and collaborate with the individual to develop a short‑term plan to manage the crisis. They also help connect the person to ongoing supports, such as outpatient therapy, community resources, or higher levels of care when needed. The goal of a mobile crisis team is to provide timely, compassionate support while reducing unnecessary hospitalization and law enforcement involvement whenever possible.
When calling 988, you will first hear a message asking you to select service options including: Veterans, Spanish-language preference, or your local 988 contact center. You will then hear some hold music briefly while being connected to a live counselor. The counselor will greet you and introduce themselves, asking if you are safe. Once they’ve established your safety they will listen to you, gain understanding of your current difficulty, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. 988 is confidential.