Emergency Mobile Psychatric Service

This program responds 24 hrs a day 7 days a week to children or adolescents in emotional or behavioral crisis, and their families or guardians. The Child and Family Guidance Center is the lead contractor for EMPS of Southern Connecticut, sub-contracting services in portions of the region to Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance and The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.

Program Description

The Emergency Mobile Crisis Program provides assessment, triage, and short-term crisis intervention for children and adolescents in emotional or behavioral crisis. Assessments are generally performed on a mobile basis. The child and family are interviewed, and families participate with the clinician in developing a suitable treatment plan to address the crisis. Typical "crisis" situations might include suicidal ideation, gesture or attempt; serious aggressive behavior or homicidal ideation; a recent traumatic event or the death of an important person in the child's life; recent disclosure of sexual abuse; psychotic symptoms (e.g., hearing voices); refusal to attend school; fire setting; running away and/or other extremely risky behaviors. Services are provided by experienced mental health professionals (e.g., clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, advanced practice nurses etc.). Our clinicians are culturally competent and motivated to respect each family's beliefs and ideas about what will be helpful. (Se habla español)

Program Eligibility

Any child or adolescent under the age of 19, who resides or is present in the Greater Bridgeport area may be referred to the Crisis Program, including children in treatment with other providers.

Accessing Service

The Emergency Mobile Crisis Program can be reached on any day and at anytime by calling 211 and then pressing 1.

Client Fee

Clients will be asked to provide insurance information. No charge will be made to individuals without insurance or for any initial mobile crisis assessment. A copay may be charged to those with Husky B or private insurance for in-office follow-up visits.