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 Stabilization Services (MRSS) team in your county of residence.
HANCOCK COUNTY: Mobile Response Stabilization Services are available 7 days a week from 8am-8pm by calling 988.
ALLEN, AUGLAIZE, HARDIN COUNTY: Mobile Response Stabilization Services are available Mon. through Fri. from 8am-8pm by calling 988.
MRSS - Mobile Response Stabilization Services
What Is MRSS?
Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a free program that Family Resource Center provides to help children, teens, and young adults during a mental health crisis. If someone is feeling upset, overwhelmed, or unsafe, our MRSS team can come to them at home, at school, or out in the community to help right away. We’re there to help de-escalate the situation, listen, offer support, and work with the family to make a plan that keeps everyone safe. We also help get the young person and their family connected to ongoing support and resources.
Trained, professional staff will respond to the location where the crisis is happening within 60 minutes of referral.
When To Request MRSS
Our MRSS team is here to help when things feel too big to handle alone. You can call 988 to request MRSS 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. We can help with anything that feels overwhelming to the young person or their family. 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. When you call, our team responds quickly and can come to your home or meet in the community. We help calm the situation, talk through what’s going on, and connect you with more support if needed.
Why MRSS Is Important
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. 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. We focus on support, not punishment, and work with families to create a plan that keeps everyone safe and helps prevent future crises.