Foundations Behavioral Health Offers Mobile Crisis Support for Young People and Families

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CELINA — Families facing a mental health or behavioral crisis involving a young person can receive immediate, community-based support through Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, commonly known as MRSS.

Heather Compton, an MRSS case manager with Foundations Behavioral Health Services, discussed the program during an appearance on WCSM Radio’s Spectrum program.

MRSS serves young people from birth until their 21st birthday. Compton said families can request help for situations including emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, family conflict, substance use, school truancy, escalating behavior, trauma, running away or a major life change.

Compton said the crisis is defined by the young person and family because the same situation may affect different families in different ways.

Parents, guardians, schools, law enforcement agencies and young people themselves can contact the program by calling 988. A crisis specialist will gather information, assess the situation and determine whether an MRSS response is appropriate.

For an immediate crisis, the local team responds within one hour. A non-immediate visit can be scheduled within 48 hours.

Compton and therapist Deanna Brotherwood make up the Mercer County MRSS team. Team members can meet families at home, school or another location in the community.

During an initial visit, the team works to calm the situation, speaks with the young person and caregiver, completes an assessment and develops a safety plan. The team can also help families secure medications, sharp objects and firearms when safety is a concern.

MRSS is a free, short-term program. Team members generally meet with a young person two or three times per week for up to 42 days.

The program also works with parents, counselors, schools, probation officers and other trusted people to develop continuing support. Before the program ends, the team works to connect the family with counseling, case management or other long-term services.

Compton emphasized that MRSS does not remove children from their homes.

“We want to keep the families together,” Compton said.

Anyone facing an immediate physical threat should call 911. Young people and families experiencing a mental health, emotional or behavioral crisis can call or text 988.

“They shouldn’t be embarrassed because there is this help,” Compton said. “Just ask for help with any type of crisis because that’s what we’re here for.”