MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE (MCR)
Is a life span program that provides the screening and assessment of children, adolescents, and adults prior to any admission to a hospital for inpatient psychiatric care.
MCR promotes the well-being of children by maintaining them in the least restrictive settings, working with families in their home(s) or other natural environments, providing culturally and linguistically competent services, maintaining normalizing routines and activities, and allowing for earlier interventions to address growing problems.
Screening and Assessment of Children and Adolescents for Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Medical Programs
MCR staff are required to ensure the screening and assessment of children and adolescents prior to any admission to a hospital for inpatient psychiatric care for all children eligible for Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Medical Programs.
Mobile Crisis Response Services Provided
- Screening, assessment and treatment of any person who may be at risk for psychiatric hospitalization and who is eligible for public funding
- Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services
- Access to coordinated community based mental health services whether hospitalized or deflected from hospitalization.
- Linkage of families and guardians to appropriate level of care to meet the mental health treatment needs
- Intensive Outpatient Services
- Linkages Discharge Coordination (if hospitalized)
- Psychiatric Follow-up (if needed)
Mobile Crisis Response Program Staffing
Services are provided by a staff of professionals including:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Clinical Psychologists
- Board Certified or Eligible Consulting Psychiatrists
- Qualified Mental Health Professionals
Eligibility for Service
- Any person who is in crisis and is in need
- Children and adolescents under the age of 21 enrolled in HFS medical programs
- Any person for whom DCFS has legal responsibility.
Admission Process into the MCR Program
The Crisis and Referral Entry Service (CARES) monitors the admission process into the MCR program and authorizes a MCR screening. CARES is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CARES will perform an acuity assessment for calls denoting a psychiatric crisis or asking for MCR services. If the acuity assessment determines a need for MCR services and the child/family meet the age and financial criteria, CARES will refer the call to a MCR provider for screening.
The MCR program has a 24/7 screening schedule with a backup schedule. MCR screening services are provided 365 days per year, 24 hours per day with acceptance of all referrals from CARES on a no-decline basis. The CARES line contact information is 800-345-9049.