12.4 Mental health crisis response and intervention
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Mental health crises pose unique challenges for law enforcement. Officers must balance public safety with compassionate care for individuals in distress. Crisis response models and specialized training equip police to handle these situations more effectively.
techniques and trauma-informed approaches are crucial for positive outcomes. By partnering with mental health professionals and utilizing community-based support services, police can help divert people in crisis from the criminal justice system to appropriate treatment.
Crisis Response Models
Specialized Crisis Intervention Teams
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LAPD Mobile Crisis Center at LAPD West Valley Station | Flickr View original
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Sheriff’s Department deploys crisis teams for mental health emergencies - El Paso Matters View original
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El Paso police changing approach to mental health crises - El Paso Matters View original
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LAPD Mobile Crisis Center at LAPD West Valley Station | Flickr View original
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Sheriff’s Department deploys crisis teams for mental health emergencies - El Paso Matters View original
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Top images from around the web for Specialized Crisis Intervention Teams
LAPD Mobile Crisis Center at LAPD West Valley Station | Flickr View original
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Sheriff’s Department deploys crisis teams for mental health emergencies - El Paso Matters View original
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El Paso police changing approach to mental health crises - El Paso Matters View original
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LAPD Mobile Crisis Center at LAPD West Valley Station | Flickr View original
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Sheriff’s Department deploys crisis teams for mental health emergencies - El Paso Matters View original
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- model integrates mental health professionals with law enforcement
- CIT officers receive specialized training in mental health issues and de-escalation techniques
- pair mental health clinicians with police officers during crisis calls
- consist of mental health professionals who respond to crises
- provide on-scene mental health assessments and interventions (often 24/7)
Implementation and Benefits of Crisis Response Models
- CIT programs reduce arrests of individuals with mental illness and increase referrals to treatment
- Co-responder models improve outcomes for both individuals in crisis and law enforcement
- Psychiatric emergency response teams decrease unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests
- Mobile crisis units provide rapid response and can prevent escalation of mental health crises
De-escalation and Intervention Techniques
Verbal and Non-Verbal De-escalation Strategies
- De-escalation techniques focus on calming individuals and reducing tension in crisis situations
- skills help officers understand the person's perspective and needs
- conveys openness and reduces perceived aggression
- Clear, concise communication helps individuals in crisis understand instructions and options
- Offering choices empowers individuals and can lead to more cooperative outcomes
Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Approaches
- trains officers to recognize signs of mental illness and provide initial support
- Trauma-informed policing acknowledges the impact of past trauma on current behavior
- Officers learn to avoid re-traumatization and build trust with individuals in crisis
- Suicide prevention strategies include recognizing warning signs and connecting individuals with resources
- apply to both mental health crises and hostage situations
Mental Health Services and Programs
Involuntary Commitment and Legal Considerations
- allows for temporary detention of individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others
- Legal criteria for involuntary commitment vary by jurisdiction but typically require imminent risk
- Officers must understand local laws and procedures for initiating involuntary commitment
- Balancing individual rights with public safety remains a challenge in involuntary commitment cases
- Court-ordered treatment can be an alternative to involuntary hospitalization in some situations
Diversion Programs and Community-Based Support
- redirect individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system to treatment
- allows officers to connect individuals with services instead of making an arrest
- programs provide alternatives to incarceration for eligible offenders
- specialize in cases involving individuals with mental illness
- Community-based support services (housing assistance, job training) complement diversion efforts
- Collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community organizations enhances program effectiveness
Key Terms to Review (21)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding to a speaker, ensuring their message is effectively conveyed. It emphasizes not just hearing the words but also interpreting the underlying emotions and meanings, which is crucial in high-stress situations like conflicts or crises. This technique fosters trust and rapport, making it essential for effective communication, especially when dealing with escalated situations or individuals in distress.
Co-responder models: Co-responder models are collaborative approaches in which law enforcement officers work alongside mental health professionals to address incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. These models aim to provide a more effective and compassionate response to such situations, reducing the risk of escalation and ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care. By integrating mental health expertise with police intervention, these models promote better outcomes for individuals in crisis and enhance community safety.
Community mental health services block grant: The community mental health services block grant is a federal funding program designed to support state and local mental health services aimed at improving access to care for individuals with mental illnesses. This grant provides flexible funding to enhance community-based mental health services, helping to reduce reliance on institutional care and promote recovery-oriented approaches to mental health treatment.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a specialized law enforcement unit trained to respond to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care and support rather than being incarcerated. CIT programs focus on de-escalation techniques, communication skills, and collaboration with mental health professionals to effectively handle situations involving individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Crisis negotiation techniques: Crisis negotiation techniques are specialized methods used by trained professionals to communicate effectively with individuals in crisis situations, aiming to de-escalate tensions and reach a peaceful resolution. These techniques often involve active listening, empathy, and building rapport, which are crucial in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of individuals facing mental health crises. The effectiveness of these techniques can greatly influence the outcome of high-stress situations, especially those involving potential harm to individuals or others.
De-escalation: De-escalation refers to the techniques and strategies used to reduce the intensity of a conflict or crisis, particularly in high-stress situations. It involves employing communication skills, empathy, and non-threatening behavior to calm individuals who may be agitated or experiencing a mental health crisis. Effective de-escalation aims to prevent the situation from escalating into violence or a more serious confrontation, particularly when interacting with individuals in distress.
Diversion programs: Diversion programs are alternative interventions aimed at redirecting individuals away from the traditional criminal justice system, particularly for low-level offenses or when mental health issues are involved. These programs focus on rehabilitation and support rather than punishment, addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse or mental health challenges, thereby reducing recidivism and promoting community safety.
Involuntary Commitment: Involuntary commitment is a legal process through which individuals with severe mental health issues can be hospitalized or treated against their will if they are deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others. This process aims to protect individuals and the public by ensuring that those who cannot make informed decisions about their health receive necessary care. Involuntary commitment often involves legal criteria and procedures, emphasizing the balance between individual rights and the need for public safety.
Mental Health America: Mental Health America (MHA) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals living with mental health conditions and promoting mental wellness for all. MHA plays a crucial role in mental health advocacy, education, and awareness, working to reduce stigma and improve access to services, especially in times of crisis.
Mental health courts: Mental health courts are specialized court programs designed to address the needs of individuals with mental health disorders who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. These courts aim to divert offenders from traditional punitive measures, focusing instead on treatment and rehabilitation, thereby promoting public safety and improving the overall mental health of participants. They typically involve collaboration between judges, mental health professionals, and social service providers to ensure that individuals receive the support they need.
Mental Health First Aid: Mental health first aid is a training program designed to help individuals provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. It equips participants with the skills to recognize warning signs, offer support, and guide individuals toward appropriate professional help. This proactive approach is essential in enhancing community awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
Mental Health Parity Act: The Mental Health Parity Act is a law aimed at ensuring that mental health and substance use disorder services are covered by health insurance plans at the same level as physical health services. This act addresses disparities in treatment access and insurance coverage, promoting equal benefits for mental health care, which is crucial for effective crisis response and intervention.
Mobile crisis units: Mobile crisis units are specialized teams that respond to mental health emergencies in real-time, providing immediate assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing a crisis. These units are typically composed of mental health professionals, such as social workers or psychiatrists, who work alongside law enforcement or emergency medical personnel to ensure a coordinated response. By offering on-site support and intervention, mobile crisis units aim to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them with appropriate resources, ultimately reducing the need for hospitalization or arrest.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, and support. NAMI plays a crucial role in raising awareness about mental health issues and providing resources to families and individuals facing mental health challenges, which is vital for effective mental health crisis response and intervention strategies.
Non-threatening body language: Non-threatening body language refers to the physical cues and behaviors that convey a sense of calmness, openness, and approachability, making others feel safe and comfortable. This type of body language is crucial in mental health crisis response and intervention, as it helps to de-escalate tense situations and fosters trust between responders and individuals experiencing crises. Key elements include relaxed posture, gentle facial expressions, and maintaining appropriate eye contact, all of which can significantly impact the outcome of an interaction.
Post-arrest diversion: Post-arrest diversion refers to the strategies and programs designed to redirect individuals away from the traditional criminal justice system after an arrest, particularly those who are experiencing mental health crises or substance use issues. This approach aims to provide individuals with access to appropriate treatment and support services instead of subjecting them to incarceration, ultimately helping to reduce recidivism and promote recovery.
Pre-arrest diversion: Pre-arrest diversion is a proactive approach in law enforcement aimed at redirecting individuals away from the traditional criminal justice system before an arrest occurs, particularly for those experiencing mental health crises. This strategy not only focuses on providing immediate support and resources but also seeks to reduce the negative impact of incarceration on vulnerable populations. By intervening early, pre-arrest diversion helps to address underlying issues, such as mental illness, substance abuse, or homelessness, thereby promoting better outcomes for individuals and communities.
Psychiatric emergency response teams: Psychiatric emergency response teams are specialized units composed of mental health professionals and law enforcement officers that respond to situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These teams aim to provide immediate assistance, de-escalate potentially volatile situations, and connect individuals with appropriate mental health services. Their integration into emergency response systems reflects the growing recognition of the need for specialized approaches to mental health crises within community safety and support frameworks.
Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are organized efforts to inform and educate the general public about specific issues or topics, often aiming to influence public perception and behavior. These campaigns can play a vital role in addressing complex social issues, including mental health crises, by disseminating information, reducing stigma, and promoting available resources for support and intervention.
Stigma: Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that society holds toward certain characteristics, behaviors, or conditions, often leading to discrimination and social exclusion. This phenomenon significantly impacts individuals facing mental health issues, as it creates barriers to seeking help and reinforces feelings of shame and isolation. Stigma can prevent open discussions about mental health, exacerbating crises and hindering effective intervention and response efforts.
Trauma-informed care: Trauma-informed care is an approach to treatment that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and integrates this understanding into all aspects of service delivery. This care emphasizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration, acknowledging that trauma can affect a person's mental health and behaviors. It aims to create a supportive environment that fosters healing and recovery by understanding the effects of trauma on individuals.