The Windham Journal is reporting emergency mental health services are now available through the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team operated by The Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties by confidentially calling (518) 943-5555. According to assessment team director Aimee Richards, three levels of specialty care are available as part of the program, which was launched in July. The team's goal is to relieve pressure on hospitals, emergency rooms and urgent care centers. “Our mission is to divert individuals from psychiatric hospitalizations, minimize police interventions for strictly mental health matters and provide rapid, effective linkages to long-term service providers,” Richards said. Professionals are available by phone from noon until 8 p.m. seven days a week. The hope is to expand to 24/7 availability in the future. There is no charge for the service. Read the full story in the Windham Journal.