Hope in a Time of Crisis

How local organizations are working together to meet the needs of the community with mobile crisis response services. 

Many individuals struggle with mental health on a daily basis. Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and even anger are familiar, and these feelings are heightened during times of stress, such as with the current global healthcare crisis. Many local organizations are working together to ensure mental health services are accessible both in person and remotely for those who need them. 

Through a partnership among Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Orange County Government, Central Florida Cares and the Florida Department of Children and Families, a unique program is offered to children and adolescents throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Mobile Crisis Response Services provides round-the-clock mental health support through the expertise of masters level and licensed clinicians to rapidly respond and provide immediate on-site crisis intervention and stabilization.  

Clinicians have specialized training to address the following:

•  Depression

•  Anxiety

•  Self injury

•  Suicidal thoughts

•  Anger outbursts or tantrums

•  Child/parent conflict

Parents, guardians, school personnel, law enforcement officials, and other caregivers may access this service by calling 2-1-1 for immediate screening. If the situation meets eligibility, a clinician responds to the situation within an hour to de-escalate and resolve behavioral and mental health crises, as well as assess and link to services and support.  

Mobile Crisis Response Services are available to individuals ages 0 to 24 at the time of crisis. Clinicians will respond to homes, schools, public settings or anywhere in communities throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Mobile Crisis Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including nights, weekends and holidays and at no cost to the recipient. 

These services can be accessed by calling 2-1-1, pressing 1 for the crisis help line and requesting Mobile Crisis Services, or text your zip code to 898-211. Calls are connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist to determine eligibility and facilitate connection with Devereux and other local organizations providing critical services to improve and save lives.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health also operates a specialized mobile crisis model in partnership with the University of Central Florida Police Department. This added service enhances the mental health services offered at the university and provides support to law enforcement, who may seek involvement from a Devereux clinician for a second opinion and to work in close collaboration with mental health experts to support students.

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Services are now available 24/7 in a remote/telehealth format. These services can be accessed by calling 2-1-1. 

For more information about this program, contact DevereuxFlorida@devereux.org.