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Immediate Mental Health Crisis Intervention
A mental health crisis can happen anywhere—at home, in school, or out in the community. That’s why Ohel’s Mobile Outreach team is ready to respond with expert, compassionate care. This unique and highly effective program provides immediate crisis intervention, counseling, short-term support, and connections to ongoing services—helping individuals and families regain stability and find a path forward.
Meeting People Where They Are
Our Mobile Outreach team meets clients wherever they need us—in their homes, at school, in a park, or another community setting.
“We meet our clients where they are, both physically and emotionally,” says Steven A. Wesson, LCSW-R, Director of Crisis Services.
Each case begins with a team of two mental health professionals who assess the situation, offer immediate support, and create a plan for recovery including referrals to programs that help an individual with their recovery. Our response is often needed for individuals that struggle with severe and persistent mental illnesses including schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. In these instances, we provide an assessment and linkage to inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment programs.
While we serve individuals of all ages, our primary focus is children, teens, and young adults (18-25). We also work closely with parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure the right support system is in place.
A Bridge to Long-Term Care
Typically, the Mobile Outreach team meets with a client four to six times before connecting them to one of Ohel’s mental health services. We provide short-term case management to ensure a smooth transition into ongoing treatment.
We receive calls from a variety of sources—including families, schools, community leaders, and healthcare providers. A typical referral might be:
- A school requesting help for a teen struggling emotionally.
- A parent concerned about a child showing signs of depression.
- A community leader seeking support for a young adult in distress.
When a call comes in, our trained staff conducts a risk assessment and dispatches the Mobile Outreach team as needed.
Fast, Free, and Accessible Support
Since its establishment in 1999, Ohel’s Mobile Outreach program has been funded by a grant, allowing us to offer this vital service free of charge. Because it is not insurance-based, we eliminate red tape and reduce response time—getting help to those who need it without delays or waiting lists.
While our primary service area is Brooklyn, our team can travel to other boroughs based on availability.
At Ohel, we believe that no one should face a mental health crisis alone. Our Mobile Outreach team is here to provide expert care, immediate support, and hope—right where it’s needed most.