Did you know nearly 50 million Americans live with severe mental illness? That’s a huge number of people who may face barriers to care, especially during a crisis. A staggering 96 million Americans faced the distressing reality of waiting over a week for mental health treatment. When help is needed fast, waiting too long or having no access at all can make things worse. It can:
- Cause symptoms to worsen over time.
- Make the crisis harder to manage.
- Increase the risk of self-harm.
A mobile crisis unit can go directly to the person in need, offering immediate care. Compare that to a stationary crisis center, where people must travel to get help—a challenge for those with no transportation or too much fear to leave home.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years helping organizations like yours and CalOptima, help communities break down barriers to healthcare and transportation. Our mobile crisis units are designed to meet people where they are and save lives. We know we’re not the only option out there, but we aim to give you the knowledge to decide what’s best for your organization.
What will you learn from this article? This article will show you the benefits of a mobile crisis unit versus a stationary crisis center. We’ll explore how each option works and their impact so you have a better idea of what solution will work better for your needs. Let’s dive in to find the answers you’re looking for!
What is a mobile crisis unit?
A mobile crisis unit is exactly what it sounds like—a vehicle that comes to people facing a crisis situation, wherever they are, instead of waiting for them to come to a crisis center. These units are specially equipped vehicles staffed with trained mental health professionals. They provide on-the-spot counseling, therapy, and resources to people dealing with a crisis.
This is a big deal because so many barriers prevent people from getting help at a stationary crisis center. For example:
No transportation: Not everyone has a car or a way to get to a center.
Stigma and fear: Sitting in a crowded office can feel overwhelming or even shameful for someone in crisis.
Financial struggles: Some people can’t afford transportation or fear the costs of getting help.
No home or support system: For those without a safe place to go, getting to a center might not even be an option.
A mobile crisis unit removes these roadblocks. It meets people where they are—whether that’s at their home, on the street, or somewhere in their community. This approach not only delivers immediate care but also builds trust with individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
What can a mobile crisis unit offer?
- Counseling and therapy to address the immediate crisis.
- Resources and support to connect people with ongoing care.
- Hope for a better future, helping individuals take the first step toward stability.
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation to stabilize situations before they worsen.
- Follow-up support to ensure individuals stay on track and don’t feel abandoned after the immediate crisis has passed.
Mobile crisis units are a lifeline for those who need care but can’t access it. They make mental health support possible for people who might otherwise be left behind, ensuring no one feels forgotten in their hardest moments.
What’s a stationary crisis center?
A stationary crisis center is a fixed location where people can go to get help during a mental health crisis. These centers are staffed with trained professionals who provide support, counseling, and resources to individuals in need. While they play an important role in mental health care, they come with their own set of challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles to a stationary crisis center is simply getting there. For example, people wanting to visit a family crisis center often need to drive or find transportation to reach it. This can be a major roadblock for individuals without a car, access to public transit, or even the energy to leave their homes.
Another challenge is the environment inside the center. While the staff is there to help, the presence of other people in the waiting area can be overwhelming. Some individuals may feel judged or stigmatized simply for being there. That fear of stigma can make it even harder to seek help when needed.
What does a stationary crisis center offer?
- Professional mental health support from counselors, therapists, and social workers.
- A stable, equipped environment for handling emergencies.
- Referrals to ongoing care to help individuals find long-term solutions.
However, these benefits may remain out of reach for those unable or unwilling to travel. Stationary crisis centers rely on individuals taking the first step to get to them. For someone in the middle of a crisis, that step can feel impossible.
While stationary centers provide critical services, their fixed locations and public settings can unintentionally create barriers. Understanding these challenges is key to deciding whether a stationary crisis center or a more flexible approach, like a mobile crisis unit, is the right fit for your organization’s needs.
Mobile crisis unit vs. stationary crisis center: Which should you choose?
Choosing between a mobile crisis unit and a stationary crisis center depends on the unique needs of your organization and the community you serve. Both options offer critical mental health support, but they address challenges in different ways. To help you decide, here’s a comparison of key factors:
| Factor | Mobile crisis unit | Stationary crisis center |
| Accessibility | Goes directly to people, removing transportation barriers. | Requires individuals to travel to the center. |
| Privacy | Offers support in private, familiar environments. | Public settings with others present may increase stigma. |
| Flexibility | Can serve multiple locations and adjust to community needs. | Fixed location, serving only those who can get there. |
| Crisis response time | Provides immediate, on-site intervention. | Help depends on when individuals arrive. |
| Cost | $125,000 – $225,000.
Lower upfront and maintenance costs; flexible budgeting for staff and fuel. |
$500,000 – $2,000,000+ (just for the facility/lease).
Higher facility maintenance costs but centralized operations |
| Community trust | Builds trust by meeting people where they are. | Requires individuals to trust and visit the center. |
| Handling complex cases | Stabilizes immediate crises and can refer to long-term care when needed. Ideal for crisis intervention but not ongoing therapy. | Equipped for ongoing therapy and complex care in a controlled environment. |
Which is best for your organization?
Choose a mobile crisis unit if your community struggles with transportation barriers or mental health stigma or needs rapid, flexible crisis response across different locations.
Opt for a stationary crisis center if you’re in a central, easily accessible area with a need for ongoing, in-depth mental health support in a controlled environment.
Still unsure if a mobile crisis unit is the right choice?
You came to this article because you care deeply about providing better mental health support. The challenges—transportation issues, stigma, or simply reaching people in need—can feel overwhelming. But understanding the options is the first step toward making a meaningful impact.
After reading this, you’ve learned how a mobile crisis unit meets people where they are, offering immediate support and hope.Â
At AVAN Mobility, we know how hard it is to make decisions like this. Remember, you’re choosing a product and service that’s creating hope and a lifeline for those who feel like they’re running out of options. That’s why we design vehicles that are more than just transportation—they’re bridges to care, understanding, and change. We’re here to listen, to guide, and to help you make a difference.
If you have questions or need more guidance, click the button below to talk to one of our mobility experts. We’re here to support you.
If you’re not ready to talk yet, check out our other resources to learn more. We’re here whenever you need us.
Start with reading our article on the Mobile Outreach Van. This is one option your organization can use as a mobile crisis unit.Â
The other option you can use is the Mobile Counseling Van. Check out our article on that to learn more about it!
FAQ
Q: What does a mobile crisis unit do?
A: A mobile crisis unit provides immediate mental health support to people in crisis, meeting them wherever they are. These units offer services like counseling, therapy, and resources to stabilize situations and connect individuals to long-term care.
Q: When to call a mobile crisis unit?
A: A mobile crisis unit should be called when an individual is experiencing a mental health emergency and is unable to access care through traditional means. It is particularly helpful in situations where barriers like transportation, stigma, or immediate need make reaching a stationary crisis center difficult.
Q: What types of services can a mobile crisis unit provide?
A: A mobile crisis unit can offer on-site counseling, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and referrals to long-term care. Some units may also provide basic medical assistance and connect individuals to community resources for housing, food, or ongoing support.
