Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a major statewide expansion of the state’s youth behavioral health crisis system. For the first time, Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) are now available in all 88 Ohio counties, delivering fast, in-person help for children and young adults ages 20 and under who are experiencing mental, emotional or behavioral distress. Previously, the program served only 56 counties.
“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.”
How the program works
Anyone concerned about a child—including parents, teachers, medical professionals, law enforcement, peers or the youth themselves—can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and request MRSS. Within 60 minutes, a trained mobile crisis team, including a licensed clinician, will meet the youth wherever they are: at home, school or any safe community location.
Once on scene, responders work to de-escalate the situation and create a personalized safety plan. With parent or guardian consent, youth may also receive up to 42 days of stabilization services, which include skill-building support, family coaching and referrals to community resources.
Statewide partnership and regional providers
The statewide rollout was made possible through a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM). Twelve regional providers were selected to ensure complete coverage. These organizations completed readiness planning, staff onboarding and community partnerships to prepare for full operations.
Across the state, local hubs—such as Butler Behavioral Health and The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties—are already delivering crisis de-escalation and follow-up stabilization services in their regions. Families can locate their regional provider by visiting mrss.ohio.gov.
Currently, mobile response is available Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm, with tele-response after hours. All regions are expected to move to 24/7 in-person response by April 2028.
Local help in Toledo and Lucas County
Families in Toledo and Lucas County can access MRSS through Unison Health, the region’s designated provider. Unison MRSS teams are based at:
- 1425 Starr Avenue, Toledo
- 544 E. Woodruff Avenue, Toledo
- 1212 Cherry Street, Toledo
- 1011 Sandusky Street, Perrysburg
- 209 W Poe Road, Bowling Green
Unison offers immediate in-person crisis support, safety planning and follow-up stabilization services.
Additional Lucas County supports include:
Zepf Center
- Operates a mobile crisis team and 23-hour youth observation unit, helping stabilize young people in acute distress.
Lucas County Emotional Support Line
- Staffed by trained peers with lived experience
- 419-422-0580
United Way 211
- A 24/7 connection to local mental health, housing and family support services.
Why this expansion matters
Expanding MRSS statewide ensures that every young person—whether they live in rural farm country, a small town or a major city—can access compassionate crisis care.
According to DBH, bringing crisis response directly to families reduces emergency room dependence, prevents unnecessary law enforcement involvement and promotes long-term stability for youth.
Governor DeWine emphasized that the state’s commitment is clear: by 2028, every region will offer round-the-clock, in-person crisis response.
What to do if your child needs help
- Call 988 and request MRSS.
- If in Lucas County, you’ll be connected to Unison Health or routed through Zepf Center services.
- Ask about up to 42 days of stabilization support following the crisis.
- For non-emergency assistance, use 211 or the Lucas County Emotional Support Line.
