Why do 90% of Americans believe the country is facing a mental health crisis? If you’re part of an organization that handles crisis response, you’ve likely seen this problem up close. Calls for help are rising, but resources feel stretched thin. The gap? Many people in crisis can’t access care quickly, leaving them without the help they need when it matters most.
What’s at stake? Without fast, mobile crisis response, individuals can face worsening symptoms, delayed care, and even life-threatening situations. Communities may also see overcrowded emergency rooms, higher costs, and greater strain on first responders.Â
But what if there was another way? Imagine a team that meets people where they are—delivering care on-site, stabilizing emergencies, and connecting individuals to long-term support.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years designing vehicles that break barriers to healthcare and transportation. We’ve partnered with organizations across the U.S., like yours and CalOptima, to deliver healthcare where it’s needed most.Â
We’re all about saving lives and improving access, but we also know we’re not the only option out there. This article is here to help you learn more about how mobile crisis teams make an impact so you can decide if they’re right for your organization.
You’ll learn how mobile crisis teams:
- Reduce emergency room visits
- Lower costs
- Improve crisis response
What is a mobile crisis team?
A mobile crisis team is a group of trained professionals who respond to mental health emergencies wherever they happen. Instead of asking people to go to an emergency room, mobile crisis teams bring care right to the person in need.
What do they do?
Arrive quickly: Teams respond quickly to prevent crisis situations from getting worse.
Calm the situation: They step in to de-escalate stress and provide immediate support.
Offer assessments: Teams figure out what’s happening and recommend the next steps. For example, if someone is experiencing extreme anxiety, they can refer them to resources that can provide long-term support.
Provide resources: They connect people to therapy, addiction support, or housing programs.
Reduce ER visits: When issues are solved on-site, it helps keep hospitals less crowded.
How do they work? Mobile crisis teams operate out of specially equipped vans with staff, supplies, and a safe space for talking to clients. Their goal is to stabilize people in distress and guide them to long-term care.
Why does it matter? For organizations thinking about starting a mobile crisis team, this approach builds trust, reduces police involvement, and lowers ER visits. Most importantly, it delivers help faster—when and where it’s needed most.
Mobile crisis team: What’s the impact?
The impact a mobile crisis team can have on people’s lives is big. Let’s take a deeper look at how they’re helping.
Helping people get care faster
Studies show 44% of adults who worked with a mobile crisis response team connected with mental health services within 30 days. That’s nearly half of people in crisis getting follow-up care quickly—something many emergency rooms struggle to deliver.
Why does this matter? Quick care can stop small problems from turning into bigger ones. People feel supported right away, which improves recovery and lowers the chances of needing help again.
Reducing ER visits and hospital stays
When treating issues early, mobile crisis outreach teams help lower trips to the ER and reduce hospital admissions. In one study, areas with mobile teams saw a 50% drop in psychiatric hospital stays.
Key benefits:
Less stress on hospitals: Fewer psychiatric admissions free up resources for other emergencies.
Lower costs: Treating people in the community is cheaper than hospital stays.
Better follow-through: People who avoid hospitalization are more likely to stick with treatment plans.
Saving money and resources
A mobile crisis assessment team can save your organization money. Research shows that a mobile crisis team can reduce costs by keeping people out of hospitals and using community resources instead.
How does this save money?
Fewer hospital bills: Teams help prevent expensive ER visits and overnight stays.
Less reliance on police or EMS: Crisis teams handle situations before law enforcement needs to step in.
Preventing repeat calls: Early care lowers the chances of follow-ups, saving time and resources.
Building trust and safer communities
When people see a mobile crisis outreach team show up quickly and handle emergencies with care, trust grows. Communities begin to feel safer knowing that help is always nearby.
Examples of the impact:
Families feel safer: Parents dealing with a teen in crisis can call a mobile team instead of the police.
Schools avoid disruptions: Teams calm situations with students before they escalate.
Support for the homeless: Teams reach vulnerable people who may avoid hospitals but need care.
For organizations thinking about starting a mobile crisis response team, the numbers speak for themselves. Faster care, fewer hospital visits, lower costs, and stronger community trust make this approach a smart, compassionate solution to mental health challenges in America.
Imagine someone having a mental health crisis in a park. Instead of calling 911, a mobile crisis assessment team arrives within minutes. They calm the person, provide an assessment, and arrange follow-up care—all without a trip to the ER. That’s the kind of difference these teams make every day.
What vehicle options are available for mobile crisis teams?
Mobile crisis teams can operate in different types of vehicles, including buses, RVs, trucks, trailers, and vans. At AVAN Mobility, we manufacture the Mobile Counseling Van, which is designed specifically for crisis response. Here are some features that make it stand out for mobile crisis response:
| Feature | Why it matters for mobile crisis teams |
| Sound insulation | Keeps conversations private and creates a quiet, calming space. |
| Tinted windows | Protects privacy while letting in natural light for a welcoming feel. |
| Removable seats | Allows flexible use—transport people, supplies, or equipment as needed. |
| WiFi connectivity | Keeps teams connected to online tools and resources during sessions. |
| Security system | Adds an extra layer of safety with cameras to monitor the area around the van. |
| Wood grain flooring | Creates a warm, non-clinical feel to help people feel at home. |
| Customizable design | Interiors and exteriors can be tailored to fit team and community needs. |
| Natural light features | Skylights and windows make the space bright and inviting for clients. |
| Living room setup | Offers couches, a table, and a work area for comfortable and meaningful talks. |
| Storage cabinets | Keeps supplies organized and ready to use during emergencies. |
The Mobile Counseling Van combines function and comfort, making it an ideal choice for any mobile crisis response team.
Ready to start your mobile crisis team?
You likely came to this article looking for better ways to manage mental health crises in and around your community. After reading, you now know how a mobile crisis team can:
- Provide fast, effective care
- Reduce hospital visits
- Lower costs
- Create safer communities
You’ve also learned about the different vehicles available, including our Mobile Counseling Van, and the features that make it ideal for crisis response.
At AVAN Mobility, we understand the challenges of providing crisis care in today’s world. Our mission is to help organizations bring support directly to the people who need it most—quickly, safely, and compassionately. We believe every crisis response team deserves the tools to make a real difference, and we’re here to help you get started. If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
Not ready to talk just yet? We have more resources available to help you learn about mobile crisis teams and how they can transform care in your community.
Check out our article on crisis stabilization units. Then, read our article on the CCMU program grant. This is especially helpful if your organization is trying to start a mobile crisis team in California.
