Issue Brief 67: MCIS Plays Important Role in State’s Behavioral Health System for Children
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services Plays Important Role in State’s Behavioral Health System for Children
Sparked by research demonstrating the effectiveness and value of mobile crisis services, states and
communities across the country are increasingly incorporating mobile crisis services into their
continuum of care. Mobile crisis programs serve children in their homes and communities and divert
children from high-end interventions (such as hospitalization or arrest) when a lower level of care
is a safe and effective alternative. Mobile Crisis can also help reduce the number of visits to hospital
emergency departments (ED), improve ED service delivery, and better meet the needs of children and
families.
Connecticut’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (formerly known as EMPS) is available free of charge
to all youth in the state under 18 years old, regardless of insurance type, system involvement, or other
factors. Mobile Crisis is accessed through a single statewide call center, which deploys trained providers to the location where a crisis or other behavioral health need is occurring.
This Issue Brief presents highlights from the SFY 2018 Annual Report for Mobile Crisis Intervention Services and describes the effectiveness and value of mobile crisis services to meet the needs of children and families.
This Issue Brief was prepared by Aleece Kelly. For more information on the Mobile Crisis Performance Improvement Center, please contact Kellie Randall.