Crisis Services

Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

While there’s no single indicator of a mental health crisis, some common signs to look for include:

  • Unable to complete daily tasks
  • Saying, writing or insinuating that they’ll hurt themselves or others
  • Withdrawing
  • Experiencing impulsive, risk-taking, reckless or aggressive behaviors
  • Dramatic shifts in mood, eating or sleeping
  • Feeling of meaninglessness, hopelessness or no purpose in life
  • Feeling a sense of entrapment or no way out
  • Rage, uncontrollable anger, seeking revenge

 

If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7.

For local health and human services resources and information outside of our registration center hours, call 211 to reach Tampa Bay Cares for free, confidential help.

To contact BayCare’s Mobile Response Team (MRT) call:

  • Pasco County: (727) 372-HELP (727-372-4357)
  • Hernando County: (352) 467-OKAY (352-467-6529)

 

A black female hugging a younger black male.

The Mobile Crisis Response Team

A mental health crisis can be a scary time for the individual experiencing the crisis and their loved ones. Our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MRT) provides on-site mental health crisis intervention and management for all ages in Pasco and Hernando counties.

Families may not know how to help or where to turn for professional support. In some situations, the emergency room (ER) is the best place to go. But many ERs aren’t prepared to provide the appropriate level of treatment for someone having a psychiatric issue. This can lead to long wait times and frustration while the ER team brings in the necessary providers. In these situations, the BayCare Behavioral Health MRT has the experience and expertise to:

  • Rapidly respond, accurately assess and provide effective early intervention for those experiencing a mental health crisis
  • Make clinical decisions concerning the individual’s immediate safety
  • Help those in crisis with navigating their entry into behavioral health
  • When is MRT available?
    MRT services are available 24/7 from a team of professionals who are trained in crisis intervention skills to make sure that support and services are available when needed. 

  • Will I be charged for the service?

    No.
  • Does the MRT provide transportation?
    The MRT helps individuals and their families arrange for transportation if necessary. 
  • Who's on the team?
    Licensed and master's degree-level counselors, board-certified child psychiatrists and peer specialists. 
  • How long will the MRT spend with me?
    If face-to-face services are required, the response time is within 60 minutes. On average, the MRT provides three days and up to two weeks of crisis after-care and follow-up services. 

  • Where are services provided?

    Most services are field based, provided in school, community settings, or at home. Clinic-based follow-up services may be scheduled for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, counseling, multidisciplinary staffing, etc.
  • What happens when the MRT is dispatched?

    A member of the team will travel to the site of the crisis and:

    • Meet with the individual and family and/or the individual's support network
    • Complete screening, assessment and safety plan
    • Consult with psychiatrist, if needed
    • Connect with peer support, if needed
    • Provide short-term crisis counseling
    • Provide brief clinical intervention that addresses behavior and safety
    • Assist with the coordination of follow-up services, if needed
BayCare’s Mobile Response Team is provided in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Lutheran Services Florida, the Pasco County School Board, the Hernando County School Board, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office