What it is
Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis can reach out to NYC Well to consider a mobile crisis team.
Mobile crisis teams are groups of health professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists, who can provide mental health services in your home.
Depending on what a person is willing to accept, the teams may offer a range of services during and immediately following a crisis, including:
- Assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Supportive counseling
- Information and referrals, including to community-based mental health services
If a mobile crisis team determines that a person in crisis needs further psychiatric or medical assessment, they can transport that person to a hospital psychiatric emergency room.
Mobile crisis teams may direct police to take a person to an emergency room against their will only if they have a mental illness (or the appearance of mental illness) and are a danger to themselves or others. This is under the NYS Mental Hygiene Law.
Who it’s for
A person is eligible to receive MCT services if: the person is in New York City and is experiencing, or is at risk of, a behavioral health crisis.
A behavioral health crisis is a non-life-threatening situation in which a person experiences an intense behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric response that may be triggered by a precipitating event.
You can request a team for yourself or someone you know. Teams serve adults and children.
Cost
You do not need insurance to get services from a Mobile Crisis Team.
If you do have insurance, it will be billed.
How to get in touch
Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) to request a mobile crisis team
- Ask about “mobile crisis teams”.
- Available 8:00am to 8:00pm seven days a week.
Other ways to get help
Learn more about Mobile Crisis Teams.
Visit NYC Well to learn more about who else to call during a crisis.