Mobile Crisis Response Services
Individuals and families experiencing
a behavioral health crisis have immediate access to a team of professionals who are trained to respond to mental health crises 24 hours a day.
Those who are in need of immediate intervention due to overwhelming mental health symptoms can contact The Maine Crisis Line (MCL) at 1-888-568-1112 or by TEXT/CHAT. A crisis call specialist will assess safety and support the caller in identifying needs.
If the caller would benefit from direct intervention, they will be connected with our Mobile Crisis Response Services team. The mobile team supports callers in Cumberland County. No matter where individuals are calling or texting from, The Maine Crisis Line crisis call specialist will connect you to the appropriate mobile team.
TOA’s Mobile Crisis Response team will spend the necessary time to engage with each individual, assess her/his needs, and develop appropriate and collaborative action steps to reach a resolution. We work with the individual and their support system in problem-solving, regaining a sense of control, and enhancing renewed coping strategies. We respect each person’s social context and use approaches that build on her/his strengths congruent with culture, race, age, sexual orientation, and understanding of their health needs throughout the crisis.
We are intentional in developing plans that respond to the immediate need as well as aid in prevention by improving the individual’s coping skills and enhancing support. In cases in which the initial action/safety plan is not sufficient to sustain stabilization, we return to collaborative problem-solving to better understand the individual’s needs.
Our team prioritizes follow-up services. These services include regular check-ins by phone or in person; coordination with current providers; referrals to new providers; and individualized support to assist with continued coping. Follow-up services are available to individuals and families who are interested after their initial engagement with the mobile crisis team. Regular scheduled follow-up appointments are available to youth ages 0-20, to help provide ongoing, accessible support.
Individuals in crisis can be seen at the location of their choice as long as the environment is safe for both the client and the mobile outreach clinician. Such locations include the client’s home, emergency departments, other treatment facilities, or the Crisis Center. Triage through TOA’s Crisis Center, located at 190 Lancaster Street in Portland, provides quick response to mental health crises and short-term treatment to allow people to stabilize outside of a hospital setting, and facilitated access to emergency room services or hospitalization, when necessary.
Mobile Crisis Response Services embraces a client-centered, strength-based approach to assessment and intervention planning, and strive to adhere to the SAMSHA and American Association of Suicidology best practice principles for crisis services and suicide prevention.
Resources
The Maine Crisis Line Phone: 1-888-568-1112 TEXT/CHAT
Michelle Hansen Director of Mobile Crisis Response
Phone: (207)542-4439
michelle.hansen@opportunityalliance.orgCrisis Center (Walk-In) 190 Lancaster Street, Portland, ME 04101