Did you know that more than 50 million Americans deal with mental illness every year? When someone faces a crisis, finding the right help can be tough.
- Families feel lost as they search for answers
- First responders get overwhelmed, often stepping into situations they’re not trained to handle
- Emergency rooms are packed, forcing people in desperate need to wait far too long for care
But there’s hope. Mobile crisis programs are transforming how we respond to mental health emergencies. These programs dispatch trained professionals—counselors, therapists, and crisis intervention specialists—directly to those in need, delivering compassionate, immediate care right in the heart of the crisis. With the support of specially equipped vehicles, these teams can bring life-saving resources wherever they’re needed most.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve been helping communities and organizations like yours and CalOptima tackle problems like this for over 10 years. We build vehicles that break down barriers to care and save lives. We’re not the only ones in this space, but we’re passionate about making a difference.
In this article, we’ll share the top 5 benefits of using a mobile crisis unit and show you how these units can change lives.
Before we dive in, maybe you’d like to learn how our experts have helped other programs address crises in their communities. Click the button below to learn more!
How can a mobile crisis unit make a big difference?
Your organization can use a mobile crisis unit to bring care to people who are at the lowest point in their lives. These units are designed to handle crisis situations quickly and provide care right where the crisis happens, reducing delays and saving lives. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of mobile crisis units.
1. Immediate support during a crisis
When someone is in crisis, every minute counts. A mobile crisis unit ensures that trained professionals arrive fast and ready to help. This quick response can mean the difference between resolution and tragedy.
Why this matters:
Faster care: Instead of waiting hours in an ER, people get help immediately.
Specialized help: Teams in mobile crisis units are trained to handle emergencies like mental health episodes or substance abuse issues. Mobile crisis units are run by professionals like counselors and therapists who understand mental health. They know how to calm stressful situations and provide real support in the moment.
Relief for families: Loved ones don’t have to scramble to find resources—they can focus on supporting the person in need. These units also reduce strain on emergency services. Handling situations that don’t require police or ambulance intervention helps free up those resources for other critical emergencies. A mobile crisis unit offers peace of mind to communities.
2. Reducing strain on emergency services
When someone is in a mental health crisis, it doesn’t always make sense to call the police or rush to the ER. That’s where mobile crisis units step in. These units can handle non-violent crises, taking pressure off emergency rooms, ambulances, and law enforcement.
Why this matters:
Less ER overcrowding: Emergency rooms are often packed, and waiting hours for care isn’t ideal for someone in crisis. A mobile crisis unit brings care to them, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
Eases the load on police: Mental health crises aren’t something police are always trained for. Mobile crisis units respond with experts who focus on calming and supporting people in distress.
Better use of resources: Ambulances and police teams can concentrate on life-threatening emergencies instead of being tied up with calls that need specialized care.
These units not only make emergency services more effective but also provide a more compassionate response for the person in crisis. It’s a win-win for communities.
If you’ve ever thought, “Is there a mobile crisis unit near me?” this benefit shows how these units create safer, more responsive support systems for everyone involved.
3. Building trust and connection within the community
Another great benefit of a mobile crisis unit is how it helps build trust and connection in the community. These units serve more than emergency purposes—they demonstrate that help is available and that someone cares.
How they make an impact:
Visible support: When people see a mobile crisis unit responding to tough situations, it creates a sense of safety and reassurance. Knowing help is nearby can bring peace of mind.
Reaching those in need: Many people facing a crisis, like mental health challenges or homelessness, might not feel safe going to a hospital or calling the police. Mobile crisis units meet them where they are and offer help in a way that feels more personal.
Building long-term connections: These units often do more than handle the moment. They connect people to ongoing care and resources, creating support that lasts beyond the crisis.
This kind of care shows people in the community that they’re not alone. It’s about creating a system people can trust and rely on.
4. Reducing costs for individuals and communities
Another major benefit of a mobile crisis unit is how it helps reduce costs for both individuals and communities. Mental health emergencies can be expensive when they involve emergency rooms, police interventions, or prolonged hospital stays. The average cost of an ER visit in the U.S. ranges between $1,500 and $3,000. Mobile crisis units offer a more affordable and effective way to provide care.
How they save money:
Fewer ER visits: Many crises don’t require a hospital visit. A mobile crisis unit provides care where it’s needed, avoiding unnecessary and costly ER trips.
Reducing legal expenses: When police respond to mental health crises, it sometimes leads to arrests or legal action, which can add to community expenses. Mobile crisis units help resolve issues without involving law enforcement.
Lower long-term costs: Early care from a mobile team can prevent problems from escalating, which means fewer high-cost treatments later. Connecting people to resources like crisis stabilization units ensures they get the support they need.
Communities also benefit financially when these units are in place. Emergency services can focus on critical cases, cutting down on wasted resources.
5. Improving short- and long-term outcomes for recovery
One of the most powerful benefits of a mobile crisis unit is how it sets people up for a better future. These units focus on resolving the immediate crisis and also creating a path for long-term recovery and stability.
How mobile crisis units improve recovery outcomes:
Breaking the cycle: Many people facing a mental health crisis feel trapped in a cycle of emergencies. A mobile crisis unit helps break that pattern by addressing root causes and connecting individuals to services that promote lasting change.
Reducing relapse risks: Without proper follow-up care, crises can repeat. Mobile crisis units often refer individuals to resources like crisis stabilization units or therapy programs, reducing the chance of future emergencies.
Empowering self-management: These units educate people about their options, coping mechanisms, and available support. This helps individuals gain confidence and control over their mental health journey.
This forward-thinking approach helps individuals recover and strengthens communities. It reduces the likelihood of repeat emergencies, lowers healthcare costs over time, and gives people the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
What vehicles can be used as a mobile crisis unit?
Finding the right vehicle to use as a mobile crisis unit is an important first step in providing the right care. It needs to be welcoming, functional, and equipped to help people in need. You can convert vans, buses, trucks, and even trailers into mobile crisis units.
At AVAN Mobility, we offer two great options you can use: the Mobile Counseling Unit and the Mobile Outreach Van. Both vehicles offer unique features designed to provide care and support during a crisis.
Mobile Counseling Unit
The Mobile Counseling Unit is all about creating a safe and cozy space where people feel comfortable opening up. It’s designed to feel less like a vehicle and more like a welcoming living room.
Why it works:
- Living room vibe: Comfortable couches, a small table, and even speakers create a relaxed, homey feel. This helps people feel safe and at ease.
- Bright and open: Lots of windows, a skylight, and natural light make the space feel bright and inviting.
- Easy access: A side door with a ramp makes it simple for everyone to get in, no matter their mobility needs.
- Custom look: Design the inside to feel like a home, and paint the outside to symbolize hope, moving away from the plain look of a medical vehicle.
- Privacy and security: Tinted windows, soundproofing, and optional security systems keep conversations private and safe.
This van creates a space where people can feel calm and supported, making it easier to focus on recovery.
Mobile Outreach Van
The Mobile Outreach Van is built for flexibility and function, making it perfect for handling a variety of tasks during a crisis. It’s like a mobile office and supply hub rolled into one.
Why it works:
- Office setup: It has desks, rolling chairs, and secure storage for supplies and paperwork.
- Lots of storage: Floor-to-ceiling cabinets and overhead storage keep everything organized.
- Clean and comfy: Easy-to-clean surfaces and bright LED lights make it feel professional and hygienic.
- Practical extras: With a sink, fridge, and heat/AC, it’s ready for any situation.
- Adaptable space: Removable seats make it easy to carry extra supplies or set up for unique needs.
The Mobile Outreach Van is a great choice for reaching people in need during a crisis, offering practical resources, and providing support wherever it’s needed.
Ready to save lives with a mobile crisis unit?
You’re here because your organization cares about finding better ways to handle mental health crises in your community. Perhaps you’ve noticed how overloaded emergency services are or feel frustrated watching people struggle to get the right help. You wanted answers, and now you have them.
From reducing the strain on emergency services to improving outcomes for people in crisis, mobile crisis units are life-changing.
Why choose AVAN Mobility?
Over 10 years of experience: We’ve been building vehicles that save lives and break barriers.
Tailored solutions: Every vehicle is designed to meet the specific needs of your organization and target community.
Compassionate care: We’re committed to helping people feel safe and supported.
Innovative designs: Our vehicles combine comfort, functionality, and reliability to make a real impact.
Your community deserves solutions that bring hope and healing. If you’re ready to take the next step, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
Not ready yet? No worries—we have a few other resources you should check out to learn more.
Start with reading our article to learn why your county should have a mobile crisis unit.
After that, check out our article on securing grants for mobile medical units. This may help if your organization is running into funding issues.
