CFS Proudly Announces the Deployment of Our NEW Mobile Crisis Vans into the Community

After much planning and preparation, two custom-designed vans are now ready to hit the road. The organization is honored to be not only the first in the Southcoast region, but in all of Massachusetts, to offer this level of support through its Community Behavioral Health Center’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Program (MCI). Child & Family Services (CFS) remains dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families by offering innovative, community-based solutions.

The vans will directly elevate CFS’s ability to provide an expert level of care to anyone in the Fall River, New Bedford, Plymouth, and surrounding areas who need rapid behavioral health assistance. The MCI vans are thoughtfully designed to provide a quiet, calming environment for conducting crisis assessments, while ensuring client anonymity and helping to reduce anxiety. Both vehicles are equipped with a desk, a built-in couch, additional bench seating, a robust power system, climate control with heating and air conditioning, and dimmable zonal lighting—all designed to create a comfortable and adaptable environment ideal for therapeutic care. Additionally, the vehicles are ADA-compliant, featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps and generous interior space to ensure ease of movement for everyone who enters.

This one-of-a-kind service is available to people of all ages and backgrounds seeking mental health support, substance use treatment, or crisis stabilization. As an insurance-based service, the vans are available to all community members, including those who are uninsured. Beyond mobile assessments and therapy sessions, they offer immediate access to critical community resources, such as pre-assembled essentials kits for individuals experiencing homelessness. With trained clinicians able to respond quicker and more efficiently to individuals, it limits calls into local police departments, and transports to already overcrowded hospital emergency departments for mental health crises. Following the on-site assessment, CFS staff can develop a personalized care plan to support the individual beyond the immediate crisis, helping to reduce the risk of future episodes.

By delivering services directly to homes, schools, downtown areas, high-traffic events, bus terminals—where the risk of homelessness is often heightened—and other community settings, Child & Family Services strives to reduce barriers to care and ensure that those in need receive timely and appropriate support. “We are thrilled to introduce these vans to the communities we serve,” said Pam Bolarinho, VP of Acute Care Services. “This addition will enhance our ability to meet people where they are, deliver critical support in real-time, and further our mission of strengthening mental health resources across the region.” To access this new mobile service, individuals can call the crisis line at (508) 996-3154. CFS encourages community members to engage with staff if they see an MCI van in their area. Trained professionals are on board and ready to provide immediate support, guidance, and connection to care.