Children’s Behavioral Health Mobile Response and Stabilization Services

Executive Summary

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a specific kind of mobile crisis service and stabilization service for children and youth with behavioral health conditions. It is an upstream intervention for children and youth that are beginning to experience an acute behavioral health issue and are in crisis. This evidence-based service can help prevent unnecessary emergency department utilization and hospitalization.

This fact sheet discusses the evidence-base for MRSS as well as children’s right to access MRSS via Medicaid. It concludes with recommendations for concrete steps advocates can take to ensure that children can access MRSS when and where they need it.