24/7 Free Mental Health Crisis Support, Wherever You Are
A mental health crisis can happen at any time. It might occur late at night, during school, or even at home with family.
Hoyleton Youth & Family Services offers Mobile Crisis Care to individuals and families in St. Clair County. This mobile mental health crisis care service is free, available 24/7, and brings in-person mental health crisis support directly to you.
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed, unsafe, or unsure what to do, help is available. There is no judgment, no cost, and no insurance required.
What Is Mobile Crisis Care?
Mobile Crisis Care is a community-based mental health response for adults, children, and families facing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance-related crises, trauma, or overwhelming life events.
You do not have to go to the emergency room or call the police. Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team comes to you in the community—at home, at school, or another safe location— to provide support and stabilization.
Key Features of Mobile Crisis Care
- 24/7 availability, 365 days a year
- Free and confidential services
- No insurance or referral required
- In-person response throughout St. Clair County
- Follow-up support and connection to ongoing care
When Should You Call Mobile Crisis Care?
You do not have to be suicidal or in immediate danger to reach out for help.
You should consider calling Mobile Crisis Care if:
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed or out of control
- Anxiety, panic, fear, or despair feels unmanageable
- Substance use has become unsafe or concerning
- A child or teen’s behavior or emotions worries you
- You don’t feel safe being alone
- You’re unsure what kind of help is needed
If you are wondering whether your situation is “serious enough,” that uncertainty alone is often a sign it’s time to call.
Need Help Right Now?
- Hoyleton Crisis Line: 618-436-0460
- Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Youth in crisis: CARES Line at 1-800-345-9049
Support is available 24/7, free, and confidential.
What Happens When You Call Mobile Crisis Care?
It can help to know what to expect when you reach out.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
- You speak with a trained crisis professional who listens without judgment
- Immediate safety and emotional needs are assessed
- An in-person mobile response is coordinated when appropriate
- The team works to stabilize the situation in the least restrictive way possible
- Follow-up support and referrals are provided as needed
The goal is to offer support, restore a sense of stability, and connect you to care. Calling Mobile Crisis Care does not automatically result in hospitalization or law enforcement involvement.
Mobile Crisis Care vs. 911 or 988
Mobile Crisis Care is appropriate when someone needs in-person mental health support but does not require police or emergency medical intervention.
- 988 provides phone or text-based crisis support
- 911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies
Meeting People Where They Are
Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team launched in July 2022 to provide a compassionate alternative to emergency rooms and law enforcement during mental health crises.
The team serves individuals and families throughout St. Clair County by responding directly in homes and community settings—so no one has to face a crisis alone.
All services are:
- Free
- Confidential
- Accessible to adults, children, and families
Hoyleton is also a CARES (formerly SASS) provider, ensuring coordinated care and appropriate follow-up when youth are involved.
Why Families Trust Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team
- Trauma-informed, compassionate professionals
- Community-based response model
- Coordinated follow-up care
- Part of Hoyleton Youth & Family Services’ integrated continuum of care
Recovery is possible—even during overwhelming moments. Reaching out is a strong step toward safety, stability, and support.
More Than a Crisis Response
Helping during a crisis is only the first step.
After an immediate crisis is stabilized, the Mobile Crisis Team:
- Helps develop recovery or wellness plans
- Provides follow-up contact and ongoing support
- Connects individuals and families to therapy, substance use treatment, peer support, or higher levels of care when appropriate
Last year, Hoyleton’s Mobile Crisis Team answered 1,152 crisis calls in St. Clair County, helping individuals regain stability and avoid unnecessary emergency interventions.
A Story of Hope and Advocacy
One call early in the morning shows how much compassionate crisis care can help.
A grandmother, known as “Granny,” called for help after her 11-year-old granddaughter, Sage, drank a bottle of vodka. Once Sage was safe, Hoyleton’s crisis team listened closely and looked beyond the immediate emergency.
Sage was grieving her mother, who died from a heroin overdose, and was struggling with alcohol use. Her grandmother was worried and afraid of losing her granddaughter as well.
With ongoing support, Hoyleton’s Recovery Specialist helped Sage enroll in a treatment program appropriate for her age. Now, she is working through her trauma and finding stability again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Crisis Care
What counts as a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis is any situation that feels overwhelming, unsafe, or out of control. This may include emotional distress, sudden behavioral changes, substance use emergencies, or moments when coping skills no longer feel effective.
Do I have to be suicidal to call Mobile Crisis Care?
No. Many people call because they feel overwhelmed, panicked, hopeless, or unsure of what to do next. Early support can prevent a situation from escalating.
Will calling automatically lead to hospitalization?
No. Mobile Crisis Care focuses on stabilizing situations in the least restrictive way possible. Hospitalization is considered only when necessary for safety.
Can I call for someone else?
Yes. You can call on behalf of a child, family member, friend, or anyone you are worried about. Crisis professionals can help assess the situation and decide suitable next steps.
What if I don’t know exactly what’s wrong?
You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation. Feeling “off,” confused, or stuck is reason enough to get in touch. Crisis teams are trained to help you sort through what you’re experiencing.
What happens after the crisis visit?
Follow-up may include check-ins, referrals to ongoing services, or coordination with community resources to support long-term stability.
Who Should I Contact for Help Right Now?
If you or someone you love needs immediate support:
- Hoyleton Crisis Line: 618-436-0460
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Youth in crisis: CARES Line at 1-800-345-9049
Support is available 24/7, free, and confidential.
Lorinda is a survivor of the child welfare system. She is an example of how enduring hardship while keeping the faith can lead to a better life and help others find hope for a better life too.