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Mobile Crisis Response

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When a Kalamazoo youth age 17 or younger is experiencing an acute mental health and/or substance use crisis, Family & Children Services’ Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) program coordinates an immediate response from clinical professionals.

 
Substance Use Crisis Flowchart
 
Mobile Crisis Response Logo

Call 269.373.6000 immediately if there is a risk of:

  • Suicide.
  • Self-harm.
  • Family conflict.

Less emergent, yet still important, reasons to call include:

  • Change in behavior or mood including becoming increasingly withdrawn, isolated, irritable, and despondent.
  • Any references to feeling hopeless, helpless, or suicidal.
  • Recent trauma or loss as a result of death, divorce, etc.
  • Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
  • If crisis and safety planning would be beneficial.
 
 

Service Overview

 
 

MCR is a comprehensive, community-based service providing immediate assistance to youth up to age 17 experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis in Kalamazoo County.

These services are available 24/7, 365 days a year; in-person, virtually, and by phone; and at no cost to families. Our mental health professionals can address a youth mental health crisis more rapidly and effectively at no cost to you.

Our team of clinical professionals trained specifically to work with youth and their families. We have a deep knowledge of and access to community resources and critical youth issues.

 

MCR provides family support

In addition to direct services, MCR provides family support and guidance in difficult situations related to mental health and substance use through:

  • Referral to community resources.
  • Information about youth substance use.
  • Consultation with other professionals.
  • Public safety consults and community interventions.

We are skilled in:

  • Crisis intervention.
  • Suicide prevention.
  • Clinical assessment addressing serious mental health issues.
  • Developing crisis safety plans to address risks and behaviors associated with mental health and substance use issues.
  • Coordinating short-term crisis placements for youth.

When you call for assistance, you can expect:

  • Prompt response from caring professionals.
  • Emphasis on individual choice. The family determines what is a crisis and decides when, where, and how MCR will respond.
  • Flexible, individualized, strengths-based, needs-driven services.
  • Clinical assessment, including suicide lethality.
  • Follow-up services to work with youth and families or providers to assist in developing safety/crisis plans.
  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefing for youth, families, and organizations within the community.

Eligibility and Referrals

 
 

Crisis intervention from Family & Children Services’ MCR services are available for youth in Kalamazoo County up to age 17 experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis.

While no referrals are needed to access MCR services, verbal or written consent is needed from a parent/guardian if a child is under the age of 14. Youths ages 14-17 may request services for themselves. To request MCR services, call 269.373.6000.

Additional Resources

 
 

Making the right call! For life-threatening issues and specific needs, call:

  • 911 if there has been a suicide attempt or other injury, call 911, or go to the emergency department for medical care.
  • 988 when someone is experiencing suicidal actions. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours in English and Spanish.
  • 211 for help with other crises related to housing, food, utilities, taxes, after-school programs, and more.