Crisis hotlines are always a safe place to call when you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Regardless of where you are located, you can access free crisis support 24/7 by calling 988, texting 988, or chatting online at 988lifeline.org/chat.
If you’re under the age of 21, the hotline might recommend connecting your family with the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) team in your county of residence.
HANCOCK COUNTY: Mobile Response and Stabilization Services are available 7 days a week from 8am-8pm by calling 988.
ALLEN, AUGLAIZE, HARDIN COUNTY: Mobile Response and Stabilization Services are available Monday - Friday from 8am-8pm by calling 988.
MRSS - Mobile Response and Stabilization Services
What Is MRSS
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a free program that helps children, teens, and young people during a mental health crisis. If someone is feeling upset, overwhelmed, or unsafe, your local MRSS team offers an immediate response, within 60 minutes, to the person’s location, at home, school, or out in the community. MRSS can help de-escalate the situation, listen, offer support, and work with the family to make a plan that keeps everyone safe. MRSS can also help get the young person and their family connected to ongoing support and resources.
When To Request MRSS
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is here to help when things feel too big to handle alone. You can call 988 to request support any time a child, teen, or other young person is going through a tough time and needs help right away. A crisis doesn’t have to be dangerous to be serious. For example, a caregiver might request assistance from the MRSS team if their child is refusing to go to school, crying a lot, and saying they don’t want to live anymore. If your family feels the situation is a crisis, it’s the right time to call 988.
Why Request MRSS
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is an alternative to calling 911 when a young person is experiencing a mental health crisis but is not in immediate danger. While calling 911 may bring police or an ambulance, calling 988 for MRSS sends mental health professionals who are trained in providing crisis support and working with families to create a plan that keeps everyone safe and helps prevent future crises. MRSS helps keep kids and teens out of the emergency room, decreases hospital stays for mental health, supports families so kids can stay in their homes, and reduces the need for police or court involvement.