(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that immediate in-person help for youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis is now operating statewide in all 88 counties. Prior to this expansion, the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program was only available in 56 Ohio counties. MRSS is available at no cost for children and young adults aged 20 and under who are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral distress.
“When it comes to our children, we have no time to lose,” said Governor DeWine. “Far too many are struggling with their mental health, and parents and caregivers don’t know where to turn when their child needs help. MRSS provides that immediate help to all young people, no matter where in Ohio they live.”
Parents, educators, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, peers, and young people in crisis can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and request MRSS. Within 60 minutes of initial contact, a team of trained professionals, including a licensed clinician, will respond wherever the youth is located, whether at home, school, or any other safe place in the community.
In April, Governor DeWine announced the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) (formerly Mental Health and Addiction Services), and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) worked together to develop a regional framework for expanding the MRSS program.
To ensure statewide coverage, 12 providers were selected to deliver services across the state’s 88 counties. In the months following the announcement, providers worked with the state to develop readiness plans, partnership agreements, and onboard staff.
“With MRSS, there is no threshold for what defines a crisis,” said DBH Interim Director Tia Marcel Moretti. “If it is a crisis to a caller, then MRSS will respond. Responders calm the situation, help make a safety plan, and provide resources for ongoing support. Upon consent from a parent or guardian, MRSS also includes up to 42 days of coordinated stabilization services. This includes skill-building and connection to community resources.”
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, there were 10,249 calls to MRSS. Of those, suicidality (41%) was the primary reason for referral with family conflict/stress (27%) the second highest reason for referral.
Of the youth who received the ongoing stabilization services:
99.7% had no new admissions to a residential treatment center
99.1% had no new admissions to a crisis stabilization unit
99% had no new admissions to a jail/detention center
98.2% had no caregiver/school calls to police to address behaviors
Butler Behavioral Health provides MRSS services in Butler, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren counties. Randy Allman, President & CEO, explains how MRSS is a comprehensive system that prevents future admissions into other systems, such as the juvenile justice system.
Butler Behavioral Health Soundbite
MRSS also serves as an entry point into OhioRISE. After a young person receives immediate crisis intervention, they are also assessed within 72 hours for additional behavioral supports through OhioRISE’s comprehensive care coordination and long-term services. This approach reduces the burden on law enforcement, criminal justice, and hospital emergency departments.
“Expanding MRSS statewide ensures every child and family in Ohio can access immediate, compassionate crisis support—wherever they are,” said ODM Director Scott Partika. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to meeting families’ needs, connecting youth to vital care, and strengthening the future of our communities.”
The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties provides MRSS services in Ashland, Holmes, Richland, and Wayne counties. President & CEO Tiffanie Kestner, explains how the ongoing wrap around services provided through MRSS ensure youth can continue to thrive after the initial contact.
The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Soundbite
Currently, mobile response is available to youth between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, while tele-response will be available after hours with a follow-up in-person visit the next day. All regional providers are expected to offer mobile response 24 hours a day, seven days a week by April 2028.
To learn more, visit mrss.ohio.gov.