Mobile Response Team

Hope in Crisis

In 2015, we launched the Mobile Response Team (MRT) in response to a growing need in St. Johns County. Our mission was clear: to reduce the alarming increase of involuntary children hospitalizations (Baker Acts) in our community.

Our SAYS Mobile Response Team (MRT) is dedicated to providing immediate help to youth experiencing a mental health crisis. Available 24/7 to all youth anywhere in St. Johns County experiencing a mental health or behavioral health crisis if they are between the ages of 5-25 years. Our team provides free on-site assessments, ensuring that help is always within reach when youths need it the most.

Recognizing The Signs

Understanding when a youth is in crisis can be challenging. Here are some signs that your youth might need help:

• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality

• Your child is not communicating or you're finding it hard to reach them

• Expressions of extreme distress or hopelessness

• Thoughts or mentions of self-harm or suicide

• They seem unusually isolated or withdrawn

• They're afraid they might hurt themselves or others

If a youth is showing any of these signs, it's time to reach out for help. Our Mobile Response Team is here to provide immediate support.

How We Serve

Upon receiving a call, a clinician arrives on site within 60 minutes to assess safety and make treatment recommendations. Within 24 hours, a case manager and a peer specialist follow up to help navigate through the crisis and provide support. We work in collaboration with you, area mental health providers, law enforcement, and school personnel to develop safety plans and link your family to needed services.  A therapist is available to provide therapy to bridge the barrier of wait lists or insurance issues.

Our Commitment to Youth in Crisis

As of February 2023, our dedicated team has conducted more than 2,700 safety assessments, successfully diverting over 80% of youth in crisis from costly hospitalization. We're here for our youth, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate support and long-term solutions.

Our Impact by the Numbers

• 2,700+ Assessments: Our MRT has been a beacon of hope for over 2,700 youth in St. Johns County, providing comprehensive assessments and wraparound services that prioritize their well-being.

• 24/7 Operating Hours: Since January 2019, our MRT services have been available around the clock, ensuring that help is always within reach for youth in crisis in St. Johns County.

• 82%+ Diverted Baker Acts: More than 80% of the crisis calls our team responded to did not result in a traumatic and costly Baker Act.

• Community Savings: With hospital stays averaging $3,900, our MRT assessments saved our community over $10,000,000 since inception.

Our Team:

Our MRT consists of licensed mental health counselors and certified targeted case managers, all fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our youth. We're proud to be one of the only teams in the state to have all fully licensed counselors.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you're concerned about a youth experiencing a mental health or behavioral health crisis, call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1 to request an MRT assessment. 

Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our youth.

TO REQUEST
A MRT ASSESSMENT
PLEASE CALL

9-8-8 or 9-1-1

2,700+

ASSESSMENTS

Our MRT has responded to and provided assessments & wraparound services for 2,700+ youth in St. Johns County.

24/7

OPERATING HOURS

As of January 2019, MRT
services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in St. Johns County.

82%+

DIVERTED BAKER ACTS

More than 80% of the crisis calls our team responded to did not result in a traumatic and costly Baker Act. 

$8,700,000+

SAVINGS

With hospital stays averaging $3,900. Our MRT assessments saved our community over $8,700,000.