Mobile Crisis Unit

Department Resources

Related Resources

What is the Mobile Crisis Unit?

*Some of CSB's Mobile Crisis Unit staff, outside the Merrifield Center.*

The Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) is an emergency mental health program of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board that provides on-scene evaluation, treatment and crisis intervention in the community.

The MCU specializes in providing these services to individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and who need, but are unwilling or unable to seek, mental health treatment.

In many of these situations there is concern that, as a result of a psychiatric condition, the person may be a danger to self or others or may not be caring for self.

While the goal of the MCU is to enlist the individual’s cooperation and develop the least restrictive treatment options, the MCU is authorized to recommend and facilitate involuntary hospitalization and treatment when necessary.

A second MCU became operational in 2017. MCU1 operates from 8 a.m. to midnight, and MCU2 operates from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The MCU also specializes in responding to referrals from the Police, Fire and Rescue service, and other public safety agencies on cases where mental health consultation and intervention are needed. In many situations, the MCU is able to assume responsibility for the case; enabling these personnel to quickly clear the scene to resume their other duties.

MCU staff is on call 24/7 to respond to hostage/barricade incidents involving the County's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and police negotiators and provides critical incident stress management and crisis debriefing during and after traumatic events.

Mobile Crisis Unit Hours

8 a.m. to 12 midnight daily

Contact the Mobile Crisis Unit

703-573-5679 TTY 711
Fax 703-876-1640

If MCU is Not Available

When the MCU is not able to respond, the Emergency Services staff at the Bulova Center is available for consultation and accepting MCU referrals.

Emergency mental health evaluation and treatment for willing individuals and for police officers executing an Emergency Custody Order is available at:

Bulova Center
8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Lower Level
Fairfax, Virginia 22031

24 Hour Service
703-573-5679 TTY 711

The Mobile Crisis Unit is available on a 24-hour basis to Police and Fire & Rescue for responses to hostage, barricade, mass casualty and critical incident situations.

What Services Does the MCU Provide?

MCU works with individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and who need, but are unwilling or unable to seek, mental health treatment, and who, as a result of a psychiatric condition, may be a danger to self or others. Examples of services include:

Psychiatric Crisis – evaluation, intervention and treatment planning, including hospitalization, if needed.

Involuntary Hospitalization – recommending, obtaining and facilitating the issuance of a Temporary Detention Order.

Suicide Threat or Attempt – assessment, prevention and intervention with individuals exhibiting suicidal behavior.

Suicide Survivor – intervention and treatment planning with individuals coping with the completed suicide of a significant other.

Substance Abuse Crisis – assessment, intervention and treatment planning when imminent danger is the result of, or exacerbated by, alcohol and drug abuse.

Domestic Disturbance – intervention to help mediate parent/child, marital and other interpersonal conflicts. [Visit the Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services page for information on domestic violence hotlines, shelters and more.]

Trauma and Tragic Event – as available, intervene with individuals and groups exposed to emotionally traumatic events such as natural disasters, mass casualty situations, etc.

Critical Incident Stress – incident debriefings and stress management education for public safety personnel.

Making a Referral to MCU

The MCU program is located in the Emergency Service at the Bulova Center. Referrals are accepted from families, individuals, public agencies and private organizations.

The MCU responds to cases in Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of Vienna and Herndon.

Once contacted, referral information is obtained and a timely response is scheduled. A response by the MCU does not always occur immediately. Referrals are evaluated and triaged according to imminence of risk to life and safety, the specifics of the situation and MCU availability. Priority is given to referrals from the police and other public safety agencies and to cases involving individuals who may be a danger to self or others.

Police and Fire and Rescue personnel can also send a copy of their completed field or patient care report to make a referral to the MCU.

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Alert:

Department Resources

Related Resources

What is the Mobile Crisis Unit?