Colorado co-responder programs aim to bridge gaps with mental health crisis responses

Colorado is at the forefront of innovative mental health crisis response strategies, and at the heart of this initiative are the co-responder programs. These programs aim to bridge the gap between law enforcement and mental health services, providing a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing individuals in crisis. In this article, we delve into the details of these programs, their impact, and the future of mental health care in Colorado.

The Need for Co-Responder Programs

The intersection of mental health and law enforcement is a complex one. Historically, individuals experiencing mental health crises often found themselves at odds with the justice system. This led to a cycle of hospitalizations, arrests, and long-term consequences that hindered recovery. Co-responder programs aim to break this cycle by integrating mental health specialists with law enforcement, providing a more holistic response to crisis situations.

How Co-Responder Programs Work

Co-responder programs typically involve a partnership between local law enforcement and behavioral health organizations. The model can vary, but the core principle remains the same: to pair a police officer with a mental health clinician to respond to calls involving individuals in mental health crises.

Success Stories

One such program is the Co-Responder program in Denver, which is housed within the Denver Crisis Intervention and Response Unit (CIRU). This program has seen significant success, with response teams working across various locations including RTD, the Denver Sheriff Department, Denver Police Department, Auraria Campus, and Denver airport. The clinicians involved in these programs are trained to assist individuals in crisis and provide effective services for resolution.

Statistics Show Promise

• Between July 2020 and June 2021, BHA-supported co-responder teams made nearly 26,000 contacts, with less than 3% resulting in an arrest.
• These programs have shown that by keeping individuals out of the justice system, their likelihood for recovery is significantly stronger.

Rural Communities Embrace Co-Responder Programs

While co-responder programs have traditionally been more prevalent in urban centers, rural communities are beginning to catch up. Durango’s CORE program, for instance, pairs two crisis intervention-trained police officers with two Axis Health System clinicians. This program has been instrumental in providing welfare checks, addressing suicidal thoughts, and managing medical issues.

Challenges and Triumphs

• Rural communities face unique challenges such as limited resources, larger geographic areas, and smaller police departments.
• Despite these challenges, regions that have invested in co-responder programs are seeing benefits, including reduced arrests and improved outcomes for individuals in crisis.

The Integration of Behavioral Health Specialists

The integration of behavioral health specialists with law enforcement is crucial for effective crisis response. Clinicians and officers collaborate to provide treatment that best decreases current stressors and replaces them with long-term community-based supports. This approach often does not require formal treatment referrals but rather identifies resources, alternative treatment options, and long-term community supports.

The Littleton Police Department’s Co-Responder Program

The Littleton Police Department (LPD) has made CIT training and certification a top priority. LPD has 80% of its sworn personnel and 75% of its dispatchers certified in CIT. The department partners with the AllHealth Network for a Co-Responder Program, where a certified mental health clinician rides along with LPD patrol officers during their shift. This program has resulted in a reduction in the number of persons arrested/cited in relation to mental health incidents and a decrease in the strain on local hospital emergency rooms.

How Co-Responder Programs Reduce Arrests

Co-responder programs aim to divert individuals away from the criminal justice system and into civil treatment services. By providing immediate access to resources, these programs reduce the need for arrests and hospitalizations. Instead, subjects are often transported to mental health facilities for immediate assessment and treatment options.

Colorado Crisis Services: The Statewide Behavioral Health Crisis Response System

Colorado Crisis Services is the statewide behavioral health crisis response system, managed by the Behavioral Health Administration. It provides confidential, professional, and immediate support 24/7/365 through phone, text, or in-person visits at walk-in centers. The system has expanded to include seven regions, aligning with the state’s Medicaid regions, to ensure statewide coverage.

Improvements to the Crisis System

• The state has re-procured the crisis system, focusing on mobile response and coordination with law enforcement to connect individuals with needed services.
• Each region has developed a network of providers delivering crisis behavioral health services, including mobile response, walk-in centers, and stabilization units.

Conclusion

Colorado’s co-responder programs are a prime example of innovative mental health care strategies. By integrating law enforcement and behavioral health specialists, these programs aim to reduce unnecessary arrests, hospitalizations, and long-term consequences associated with mental health crises. While challenges persist, especially in rural communities, the success stories and statistics demonstrate the potential of these programs in improving mental health care outcomes.

As Kelly Williams, a mental health professional, so aptly put it: "I saw it as the next step—a really good opportunity to make a difference." Indeed, co-responder programs are a step in the right direction toward bridging gaps in mental health crisis responses, ensuring that individuals in need receive compassionate and effective care.

References

• WellPower. Co-Responder Program.
• The Colorado Sun. Rural Colorado communities are starting to embrace co-responder programs.
• Littleton Police Department. Crisis Intervention and Co-Responder Program.
• Behavioral Health Administration. Crisis Program.
• Behavioral Health Administration. Co-Responder Programs.