Were you aware that nearly 7 million Canadians experience a mental health crisis every year? Even more concerning—50% of Canadians will have faced a mental illness by the age of 40.
- Almost 40% of Ontario high school students are affected by severe psychological distress.
- Low-income Canadians are 3-4 times more likely to have a mental illness.
- Between 23% and 67% of homeless people have a mental illness.
These numbers highlight a clear gap in mental health support across Canada. For people in crisis, delays in care can lead to worsening symptoms, hospitalizations, or even tragedy.
This is where a mobile crisis unit steps in. Instead of waiting hours—or days—for care, these units bring on-the-spot support. From de-escalating emergencies to avoiding ER visits, a mobile crisis response team delivers fast, life-saving care directly to people who need it.
At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over two decades building vehicles geared at reducing barriers to healthcare and saving lives for organizations like yours and the Yellowknife Women’s Society. We know there are other providers out there, and the goal here is to provide information that helps you make the best decision for your organization.
In this article, you’ll learn how a mobile crisis unit works when people are facing a mental health crisis but also face barriers to receiving care.
Mental health in Canada: A growing crisis with too many barriers
Mental health struggles often start early. In fact, 70% of people living with a mental illness experience symptoms before they turn 18.
But here’s the problem—getting help isn’t easy. Many people face barriers that stop them from getting the care they need during a mental health crisis.
Key barriers to mental health care in Canada:
Stigma: Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their struggles. This fear of judgment keeps them from reaching out for help.
Cost: Canada spends the lowest proportion of funds on mental health among all G7 countries.
Lack of transportation: People without a car—or access to reliable public transit—can’t get to clinics or hospitals when they need help.
Living in rural areas: Small towns and remote communities often don’t have mental health services nearby. Many people would need to travel hours to find care.
Wait times: Among those who met diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the 12 months before the survey, 1 in 3 reported unmet or partially met needs for mental health care services.
Overloaded emergency rooms: Many hospitals are already stretched thin. People in a mental health crisis often end up waiting in ERs that aren’t equipped for their needs.
The result? Too many people don’t get care when they need it. This leads to worsening symptoms, job loss, homelessness, and even suicide.
A mobile crisis unit helps remove these barriers by bringing immediate support directly to the person in need—no waiting, no travel, and no extra stress. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at what a mobile crisis unit is and how it works.
What Is a Mobile Crisis Unit?
A mobile crisis unit is a specialized vehicle designed to bring mental health support directly to people in need—no matter where they are. Instead of requiring individuals to travel long distances or sit for hours in crowded emergency rooms, these units deliver on-the-spot care in a safe, private, and comfortable space.
Imagine living in a remote northern Indigenous community, struggling with serious thoughts of suicide but feeling completely trapped. No car. No hospital nearby. Even if there was one, the fear of stigma—of being seen and judged—might stop you from going.
A mobile crisis unit eliminates those fears and barriers:
- No stigma: The care comes directly to the community—no one has to know.
- No wait times: Immediate help is available without sitting in an ER.
- Privacy and comfort: Instead of a clinical setting, people step into a calm, welcoming environment that feels safe and reassuring.
For communities that lack reliable transportation or live far from mental health services, this approach is life-changing. It provides timely support and removes the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
By now, you might be curious what type of vehicle you can provide mobile crisis services in. Keep reading to learn all about that.
Meet the Mobile Counselling Van
The Mobile Counselling Van is designed to make mental health care comfortable, private, and accessible. Here’s what makes it so effective for mobile crisis support:
| Feature | Why it’s useful for mobile crisis |
| Living room feel | Comfortable seating creates a calm, welcoming environment that helps clients feel at ease. |
| Tinted windows | Provides privacy so clients can feel secure without losing natural light. |
| High-capacity heat and air conditioning | Keeps the van cool in summer and warm in winter, even in places like Manitoba. |
| Rear lighting | Ensures the space stays bright and functional, even during night-time visits. |
| Anti-slip steps | Makes getting in and out of the van safe and easy for everyone, no matter the weather. |
| Work table | Provides a space for paperwork, therapy activities, or discussions. |
| Optional ventilation system | Supports smudging ceremonies for clients who need cultural practices during sessions. |
| Lockable cabinets | Keeps medications, files, and equipment secure and organized. |
| Security system | Adds an extra layer of safety with exterior monitoring. |
| Speakers | Allows for calming music or audio to create a relaxing atmosphere. |
| Trail kit | Makes off-road travel easier for reaching remote areas and rough terrain. |
With these features, the Mobile Counselling Van is ready to break down barriers and bring your mobile crisis response team straight to the people who need it.
Overcome mental health barriers with a mobile crisis unit
You came to this article because you’re looking for a better way to help people during mental health crises—especially those facing barriers like cost, transportation, and stigma. These challenges leave too many Canadians without the support they desperately need.
After reading this, you’ve learned how a mobile crisis unit provides on-the-spot care, reaching people where they are—whether it’s a remote Indigenous community or a busy urban center. You’ve also discovered how features in the Mobile Counselling Van create a safe, private, and welcoming environment that makes care more accessible.
At MoveMobility, we convert vehicles with modern, practical features to help mobile crisis response teams like yours deliver life-changing services. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in healthcare, and we understand the stakes, and that’s why we focus on real solutions that make a big impact.
If you have any questions about mobile crisis units, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
Not ready yet? No problem—check out our other resources to learn more about how mobile crisis units can make a difference.
Now that we’ve been talking about mental health crises, our article on substance abuse counselling and preventive counselling may be of interest to you.
Lastly, read our Mobile Counselling Van article to take a closer look at that!
