When Every Minute Counts: A Faster, More Effective Alternative to the ED
For Vermonters facing a mental health or substance use crisis, the first instinct is often to seek help at the emergency department (ED). However, this well-intentioned choice may not be the most expedient option for receiving the right care.
Vermont’s enhanced Mobile Crisis Response, accessible by calling or texting 988 provides immediate, specialized intervention—without the long wait times, higher costs, and often overwhelming environment of a hospital setting. These mobile teams, staffed by mental health professionals and trained peer support specialists, respond directly to people in crisis, offering compassionate support, assessment, and referrals in homes, workplaces, schools, and other community settings.
Statewide Impact: Faster Response, More Lives Touched
Since its launch in January 2024, Vermont’s Mobile Crisis Teams have responded to thousands of calls for help, with results demonstrating the program’s effectiveness:
- 2,293 responses statewide in 2024.
- Average response time: just 32 minutes —significantly faster than waiting in an ED.
- Supported 1,179 youth in crisis.
- Peer Support is a vital and expanding component, with trained Peer Support Specialists involved in 14% of adult and 17% of youth responses statewide.
These numbers highlight how Vermont’s Mobile Crisis Model is saving time and providing immediate, life-changing support.
A Statewide Partnership Led by HCRS
Vermont’s Mobile Crisis Response is a collaborative statewide effort among the Vermont Care Partners (VCP) 10 non-profit community mental health agencies. Health Care & Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) leads the initiative in contract with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), ensuring that crisis response services are accessible statewide, delivering coordinated, high-quality care to those in need.
Peer Support: A Transformational Addition to Mobile Crisis Services
A key component of Vermont’s Mobile Crisis System is Peer Support, a lived-experience-based approach to crisis care. In 2024, Vermont fully integrated Peer Specialists into its enhanced Mobile Crisis Response, ensuring that all Peer Support Specialists were trained for community-based crisis interventions.
According to Jeremy Therrien, LCMHC, Crisis Program Director at DMH, peer support plays an essential role in engagement and recovery: “Peers in crisis services provide people with an opportunity to talk to someone who has faced similar challenges. Their presence enhances engagement and offers encouragement and hope, demonstrating that recovery is possible.”
Peer Specialists provide:
- Emotional and practical support during crises.
- Guidance toward recovery resources beyond the immediate intervention.
- Stronger collaboration between crisis responders and clinical teams, ensuring holistic care.
Cristiana Cordone, HCRS Mobile Crisis Peer Support Team Leader, shared the impact of peer support: “Many individuals express relief when talking to a peer support worker. Our shared experiences create an honest, supportive space that fosters trust and healing.”
Justin Crockett, Enhanced Mobile Crisis Peer Support Specialist at HCRS, added: “Sometimes, people just need to be heard. Many are surprised by how meaningful the connection is—not just for them, but for us as peer supporters as well.”
A Story of Impact
In January, Vermont’s Mobile Crisis Team was called to assist the Vermont State Police with an elderly gentleman who was disoriented and unsure of his location. Upon arrival, crisis staff engaged in a supportive discussion with the man, allowing them to learn where he was from and where he had been headed. Police were able to transport him home safely.
Recognizing the need for follow-up care, the Mobile Crisis Team, including a Peer Support Specialist, visited the man the next day. Through lived-experience-based support, the peer was able to build rapport, coordinate with his primary care provider and arrange a Council on Aging referral. This coordination ensured he received necessary community resources while remaining in his home—his greatest wish.
George Karabakakis, Ph.D., CEO of HCRS, emphasized the impact of this innovative program: “Mobile Crisis has transformed lives by offering in-home, community-based support when people need it most. Peer support has added a profound human connection, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in their journey.”
A Vision for the Future
Vermont’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) and VCP partner agencies remain committed to expanding and strengthening the Mobile Crisis Model. As peer support integration grows and response times remain rapid, Vermont is building a stronger, more accessible mental health safety net for all residents.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call Vermont’s Mobile Crisis Services for immediate support.
📞Call or text 988 to be connected with a Crisis Team.
🌐 Learn more at https://gethelpvt.org/.
About HCRS
Founded in 1967, HCRS is a non-profit community mental health agency serving Vermonters in Windham and Windsor counties. HCRS serves over 4,000 individuals every year through its mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities programs. The Agency provides a wide range of social services that support optimal mental health and functioning. Visit www.hcrs.org for more information.
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This article is part of a series, collaboratively produced by members of Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability supports.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Expanding access to mental health crisis care.