Emergency Services and Mobile Response and Stabilization Services Licensure
The Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) licenses providers of children’s mental health emergency service interventions and Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) in Rhode Island.
Emergency Services (ES) licensure, required under state law, establishes that a provider meets DCYF’s standards for child-family competency in responding to children and families experiencing a behavioral health crisis. ES licensure includes expectations for timely access to a child-family competent clinician, face-to-face crisis intervention when needed and knowledge of community-based services and supports for children and families.
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a distinct, nationally recognized children’s behavioral health mobile crisis response and stabilization model. Providers seeking MRSS licensure must demonstrate the capacity to deliver the MRSS model consistent with its core components and fidelity expectations, including timely mobile response, crisis de-escalation, short-term stabilization and connection to ongoing supports for children, youth and families.
Organizations seeking initial licensure, renewal of licensure or approval to add Emergency Services and/or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services must complete an application and submit all required supporting documentation
Forms
Emergency Services MRSS Licensure Application
Notices
Applicants should check this webpage for notices, application-cycle deadlines, implementation updates and any additional instructions related to Emergency Services and/or Mobile Response and Stabilization Services licensure.
MRSS ES Licensure Application Memo May 14 2026
Submission Information
Applicants must submit a completed application and all required supporting documentation to DCYF Licensing.
Completed application materials should be submitted electronically to
Email: DCYF.CBHLicensing@dcyf.ri.gov
Subject line: ES/MRSS Licensure Application — [Applicant Organization Name]
Supporting documents should be clearly labeled and organized by application section whenever possible.
DCYF will review submitted applications for completeness and compliance with applicable licensing requirements. DCYF may request additional information, clarification or revisions as part of its review. Submission of an application does not constitute approval or guarantee licensure.
Questions?
Questions regarding the application or submission process may be directed to
Contact : Sarah Sparhawk
Email: Sarah.Sparhawk@dcyf.ri.gov
Regulations
Final regulations have been filed with the Secretary of State and are available for review on the Secretary of State’s website here. The final regulations become effective June 1, 2026, following the required 20-day period after filing.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing and complying with applicable DCYF regulations.