Mobile Response and Stabilization Services in NJ: Help During a Behavioral Crisis

What Are Mobile Response and Stabilization Services in NJ?

Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a free, statewide program in New Jersey designed to help children, youth, and families during a behavioral health crisis. It is not a hotline that just gives advice - it sends a team of trained professionals directly to your location, whether that's your home, school, or community, to provide immediate, in-person support.

The goal is to stabilize the situation and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or emergency room visits. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is funded by the New Jersey Division of Children's System of Care (CSOC) and is provided by local agencies across all 21 counties.

Who Can Use MRSS?

• Children and youth up to age 21 who are experiencing a behavioral or emotional crisis.
• Families who feel overwhelmed and need immediate help to keep their child safe.
• Individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, who are in crisis.
• Any NJ resident, regardless of income, insurance status, or immigration status.

MRSS is not just for extreme emergencies. It is also a great resource if you are feeling at your wits' end and need a professional to step in and help de-escalate a difficult situation.

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How to Access MRSS in New Jersey

Accessing MRSS is simple - just call the statewide hotline. The number is 1-877-652-7624. This line is answered by a live person 24/7. They will ask you some questions to understand the situation and then dispatch a mobile team to your location, usually within 60 minutes.

You can also call the national mental health crisis line, 988, and they can connect you to local resources. However, 988 is for any mental health emergency, while MRSS is specifically for children and families in NJ and will send a team to your home.

What to Expect When You Call

• You will speak with a trained crisis screener who will assess the level of risk.
• They will ask about the child's behavior, any safety concerns, and your location.
• If it is a true emergency (e.g., immediate danger to self or others), they may advise you to call 911 or go to the emergency room.
• If it is not an emergency, they will send a mobile team to your location, often within the hour.

The team usually consists of two professionals, such as a licensed clinician and a case manager or peer support specialist. They will arrive in an unmarked vehicle and introduce themselves calmly.

What Happens During a Mobile Response Visit?

When the mobile team arrives, they will focus on de-escalation and safety. They will talk with you and your child, observe the situation, and help everyone calm down. They are trained to work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, so they understand sensory needs and communication differences.

The team will also complete a safety assessment to determine if the child can remain at home or if a higher level of care is needed. In most cases, they can help stabilize the situation at home, which is much less traumatic for the child and family.

Immediate Stabilization and Support

After the immediate crisis is managed, the team will stay for a few hours to provide stabilization. They may help you develop a safety plan, teach coping strategies, and connect you with resources. They can also provide short-term follow-up for up to 72 hours, which might include phone check-ins or additional home visits.

This period is crucial for preventing a repeat crisis. The team will work with you to identify triggers and create a plan for managing future episodes. They can also help you access longer-term services, such as outpatient therapy, medication management, or ABA therapy.

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Cost and Insurance for MRSS

MRSS is completely free to all NJ families. There is no charge for the mobile response or the 72 hours of stabilization. This is funded by the state, so you do not need to worry about insurance claims or copays.

However, if the team recommends ongoing services, those may have costs. For example, ABA therapy is typically covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans in NJ. If you have NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), ABA therapy is a covered benefit for children with autism. Many private insurers also cover it, but you may need to check your specific plan.

If you need help navigating insurance coverage for ABA therapy, a free matching service like Get ABA Therapy can help you find a provider that accepts your insurance and understand your benefits.

MRSS and Children with Autism

For families of children with autism, behavioral crises can be especially challenging. Meltdowns, aggression, or elopement (wandering) can feel overwhelming. MRSS teams are trained to handle these situations with a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.

They understand that a meltdown is not a tantrum but a response to sensory overload or communication difficulties. They will use calming techniques that respect your child's needs. They can also help you create a sensory-friendly crisis plan.

During the stabilization period, the team can work with your child's existing therapists or help you find new ones. If your child is not currently receiving ABA therapy, MRSS can be a gateway to getting that support. ABA therapy is evidence-based for helping children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills, which can reduce crisis episodes over time.

When to Call MRSS vs. 911

• Call 911 if there is immediate physical danger, such as self-harm, violence, or a medical emergency.
• Call MRSS if the situation is escalating but not yet an emergency, or if you want a mental health professional to respond rather than police.
• Call 988 if you need immediate crisis counseling over the phone and are unsure about sending a team.

Remember, MRSS is a voluntary service. You can call for help before things get out of control. Early intervention can prevent a crisis from becoming a full-blown emergency.

Building a Crisis Plan with MRSS

One of the most valuable things you can do is create a crisis plan with the help of MRSS, even before a crisis occurs. The team can help you identify warning signs, list effective de-escalation strategies, and provide contact numbers for your support network.

A good crisis plan includes:

• Triggers and early warning signs.
• De-escalation techniques that work for your child.
• Emergency contacts, including family, friends, and therapists.
• Information about your child's diagnosis, medications, and communication style.
• Preferred hospital or urgent care if needed.

Having this plan ready can make a huge difference in the moment. You can share it with MRSS team members, school staff, and other caregivers.

After the Crisis: Finding Ongoing Support

MRSS is designed to be a short-term solution. After the 72-hour stabilization period, the team will help you transition to longer-term services. This might include therapy, psychiatric care, or ABA therapy for children with autism.

Finding the right provider can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Get ABA Therapy is a free matching service that connects families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers in NJ. They can help you find a provider that fits your child's needs and your insurance coverage.

ABA therapy can be a powerful tool for reducing behavioral crises in the long run. By teaching your child adaptive skills and coping mechanisms, ABA can help them communicate their needs more effectively, which often leads to fewer meltdowns and better overall family functioning.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. MRSS is there for you in a crisis, and services like ABA therapy can help you build a more stable future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Behavioral Crisis

• Waiting too long to call. If you see signs of escalation, call MRSS early. It is better to ask for help before things get dangerous.
• Not being honest with the screener. The more information you give, the better they can help. Be clear about any safety concerns.
• Ignoring your own needs. As a parent, you need support too. Ask the MRSS team for resources for yourself, such as parent coaching or support groups.
• Skipping the follow-up. The 72-hour stabilization is only the beginning. Make sure you follow through with the referrals they provide.
• Assuming MRSS is only for emergencies. You can call for help with any behavioral concern, even if it's not a full-blown crisis.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can make the most of MRSS and keep your family safer.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRSS in NJ

While we have covered a lot, you might still have questions. Here are some common ones:

Is MRSS available in every county in NJ?

Yes, MRSS is available in all 21 counties. The hotline will route you to the local provider for your area.

Can I request a specific team member?

No, but you can request a team that has experience with autism or other developmental disabilities. The screener will note your child's diagnosis.

What if my child is over 21?

MRSS is for youth up to 21. For adults, you can call 988 or contact your county's adult behavioral health services.

Will MRSS force my child to go to the hospital?

No, the goal is to keep your child at home if it is safe. Hospitalization is only considered if there is imminent danger.

Can I call MRSS for a school crisis?

Yes, you can call if your child is having a crisis at school. The team can respond to the school if needed.

If you have more questions, call the MRSS hotline and they will be happy to help. And if you are looking for ongoing ABA therapy after a crisis, Get ABA Therapy can match you with a qualified provider.