Mobile crisis response team is ready in Tuscarawas County
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A non-profit behavioral health center wants young people to know about the free support services available in the wake of recent tragedies in Tuscarawas County communities.
Ohio Guidestones Director of Children and Youth Services Brandi Ankrom says there is a free, mobile response service aimed at helping those 20 and younger experiencing mental, emotional or behavioral distress.
To connect with MRSS and other support services, call or text 988 – the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7.
“It’s an in-person community-based support in times of crisis,” she said. “It is a family-identified crisis or youth-identified crisis, so it can be anything from family conflict, struggling from listening, bad day at school, bad day at home, potentially suicidal thoughts with no plan to act on those.
“It is a response that can come to the individual where that crisis is happening in that moment.”
MRSS – Mobile Response and Stabilization Services – will travel to homes, schools, parks or anywhere that family members feel is appropriate.
“This program doesn’t take the place of individual getting into counseling services or reaching out to our local crisis line,” Ankrom said. “It’s an opportunity that we can all work together in those behavioral health fields to help support the families, young adults and children in our communities.”
She says the service is free for anyone regardless of insurance or documentation.
What is MRSS?
MRSS provides timely, community-based crisis intervention and support to youth and young adults who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. This service is available to those ages 20 and under. The goal is to help stabilize the situation, promote safety, and prevent unnecessary emergency department visits or out-of-home placements when possible. MRSS services are available in all 88 counties in the state of Ohio. To access this service, simply dial 988 and ask for the MRSS service. After a few triage questions from 988, the caller will be transferred to our MRSS line and speak with our local dispatch staff. An MRSS team will respond to the crisis location within 60 minutes. A schedule response can occur up to 48 hours from the time of the call to 988.
Tuscarawas and Carroll county currently has mobile response available Monday – Friday, including holidays from 8am – 8pm. After those hours, MRSS can still be called, and telephonic support is available from 8pm – 8am, Monday – Friday, including holidays and on the weekends. A scheduled response can then occur on the next business day that MRSS is available.
What Services Does MRSS Provide?
- Crisis response: Support during emotional or behavioral health crises.
- Mobile support: Trained professionals may meet with the youth/family or young adult in their home or another appropriate community setting.
- De-escalation and safety planning: Assistance in managing the immediate crisis and identifying strategies to maintain safety.
- Family support: Guidance and resources to help individuals navigate challenging situations.
- Stabilization and follow-up: Ongoing support and connections to community-based behavioral health services, as appropriate.
Who Can Benefit From MRSS?
MRSS may benefit youth and young adults experiencing significant emotional distress, behavioral challenges, family conflict, or other behavioral health concerns that require timely intervention. There is no cost to the individual for this service. This service will not impact any current mental health services currently involved with the youth or young adult.
Why Is MRSS Important?
MRSS helps individuals access support during difficult moments, strengthens family and community resources, and connects youth and young adults with appropriate services to promote ongoing stability and well-being.