COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — When Rochelle Montes moved her family to Ohio, they were still getting used to a new community when her teenage son, Deklan, hit a crisis that left her feeling unprepared and unsure where to turn.
Children face struggles with stress, anxiety and depression. ABC 6 On Your Side shares a families’ experience with Ohio’s Mobile Response Stabilization Services that brought support right to their door. Watch Good Day Columbus on ABC6 Monday, April 27 at 6:00 a.m. (WSYX)
“When we were in the crisis, it was extremely overwhelming and terrifying,” Montes said. “I felt like I was not equipped for what was happening not only to handle what my son was experiencing, but my own emotions in that process.”
Montes said she searched for support and eventually learned about Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, known as MRSS, through a contact in the autism community. She said the help came quickly.
“We had someone at our home within a very short period of time,” she said. “They had an individual for him and also someone here to help me.”
Image provided by the Montes family. April 27, 2026
MRSS is a free service that provides immediate help for youth 20 and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional or behavioral distress that affects their ability to function within their family, school or community. The service can also include weeks of follow-up care, connecting families to therapy, support programs and longer-term resources.
Montes said having support during a crisis can make it easier to focus on what to do next.
“When you’re in a crisis moment, it truly is like a fight-or-flight situation,” she explained. “You’re not thinking clearly so when they’re able to sit there and sort out here are the next steps.”
“It opened up so many doors that we didn’t know were available.” – Rochelle Montes
What began as a frightening moment became a turning point for the family. Deklan has since graduated from high school and is now attending the University of Cincinnati. He also runs a social media platform reviewing businesses from a disability perspective.
Image from TikTok Sensory Mom home page. Inspired by her families’ experience, Rochelle Montes started a TikTok channel called “Sensory Mom” to support mothers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. April 27, 2026 (WSYX)
Montes, inspired by her experience, started a TikTok channel called “Sensory Mom” to support mothers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed.
“I just wish there was an older version of myself that I could go back in time to talk to,” she said. “To encourage that young mom and tell her that it’s going to be okay. You’re going to get through this, and there will be people who come alongside you.”
ABC 6 On Your Side Healthy Minds is brought to you in partnership with Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry, Central Ohio Counseling and Wellness and Sun Behavioral Health Columbus. April 27, 2026 (WSYX)
People who need help for themselves or a young family member can call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and ask for MRSS. Callers will get a call when a Nationwide Children’s team is on the way.
The goal in an urgent crisis is for the team to arrive within 60 minutes.