New 800-HELP-YOU Number Launches

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Thriving Mind South Florida, one of Florida’s seven Managing Entities, has expanded the number of Mobile Response Teams in Miami-Dade County from one to four in order to better address the mental health and substance use crises needs for individuals in the community. Mobile Response Teams provide onsite behavioral health crisis intervention with clinically trained teams, to help individuals and families in crisis.

When an individual experiences a mental health or substance use issue that does not require fire rescue or law enforcement, Mobile Response Teams can meet their behavioral health needs with experts who are trained to deescalate the crisis and connect the individual with needed resources to recover.

After an individual is stabilized, care continues to help meet individualized needs and live healthier lives. Continued care may include services such as housing assistance, counseling, employment help and transportation.

Mobile Response services are operated by WestCare/The Village South in Miami-Dade County. Mobile response team services are funded by the Department of Children and Families (Department) as part of their ongoing efforts in providing crisis intervention services throughout the state.

“Mobile crisis teams provide immediate assessment, intervention, recommendations, and more to those in a behavioral health crisis,” said Department Secretary Shevaun Harris.  “As part of the ‘no wrong door’ model, these teams link individuals to appropriate community resources and services. With our partners’ help, we are better able to meet the needs of Florida’s communities and support strong and resilient families.”

“Our community now has an alternative to contacting the police when facing a mental health crisis,” said Frank Rabbito, Chief Operating Officer of WestCare Florida Operations, which includes The Village South. “Calls to the National Suicide Hotline and 211, will be directed to the Mobile Response Team. Our 1-800- Help-You phone number can be used by anyone seeking assistance for a mental health crisis. Services are available 24/7.”

“We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and to the Legislature for prioritizing behavioral health needs in Florida and for providing funding that enables our community to scale-up Mobile Response Teams to meet community needs,” said Dr. John Newcomer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thriving Mind.

Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue can call 1-800-HELP-YOU, or 1-800-435-7968, to access a Mobile Response Team.

 Media contact: Carrie Perez, 954-483-7578.