If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of emergency assistance, please call 911 for assistance.

Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)

Mobile crisis provides voluntary, community-based mental health assessments and short-term crisis management for children, youth, and adult. This service is designed to assist law enforcement in handling behavioral health-related calls. The team includes behavioral health specialists, therapists, social workers, and registered nurses. 

  • What to Expect: One team member will respond with local police within one hour
  • Hours: 24/7, 365 days a week
  • Area of Operation: Polk County
  • How to Access: Call 911 and request the Mobile Crisis Response Team

Crisis Advocacy Response Effort (CARE)

The Crisis Advocacy Response Effort (CARE) responds as a two-person team to behavioral health crisis calls within the City of Des Moines, without the presence of law enforcement. CARE provides on-site assessments, crisis stabilization, and connections to community resources for individuals of any age. The team consists of pediatric specialists, peer support specialists, and behavioral health specialists. An additional team member is embedded in the Des Moines Police telecommunications center to support call triage and diversion.

  • What to Expect: Two team members will respond within one hour
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
  • Area of Operation: City of Des Moines
  • How to Access: Call (515) 283-4811 and request the CARE Team  

Crisis Observation Center (COC)

Location: 1914 Carpenter Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50314
Phone: (515) 282-5742  
 In case of emergency, call 911
Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days/year

The Crisis Observation Center (COC) provides a safe and calm environment for those 18 years or older. The (COC) is open to the community for those who are experiencing psychological stress which does not require hospitalization. 

(COC) staff consists of nurses, care coordinators and psychiatric technicians. Staff will help coordinate or assist with seeing mental health providers for medication management and/or therapy. 

Information on various resources and programs in Polk County are available at the (COC), such as insurance programs, housing, food assistance, transportation, clothing, emergency shelters, substance abuse counseling and treatment, waiver services, case management, employment, education, dental services, stabilization centers, WIC, daycare assistance, respite, day hab, FIP and other various providers within the community.  

Staff will assist with providing information on various resources and programs throughout Polk County.  

What is Psychological Stress?

Psychological stress can be broadly defined as any stimulus that evokes fear or anxiety in a person. A person may experience psychological stress when under mental, physical and emotional pressure. Stress factors may arise from people's daily responsibilities and routines, including work, family, and finances.

While at the Crisis Observation Center one must be able to:

  • Have safe behaviors
  • Provide and maintain hygiene needs
  • Cooperate with staff by participating with registration, intake and discharge

Services available, but not limited to:

  • Mental health assessments
  • Coordination of services and basic needs 
  • Crisis therapy
  • Medication management

Additional Resources: