Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementing a Police-Mental Health Collaborative to Improve Pathways to Treatment

Abstract

High rates of criminal justice involvement among individuals with mental illness have led to collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and mental health providers to improve crisis responses and pathways to treatment. The development and implementation of these police-mental health collaborations (PMHCs) have received little attention in the literature, but these processes are crucial in understanding feasibility and sustainability. The PMHC discussed here is an interagency effort to identify individuals involved with law enforcement who have unmet behavioral health needs and engage them in services. Perspectives from leaders, service providers, and clients highlight the importance of developing PMHCs that support individuals with serious mental illness at multiple points, from initial crisis to independent management of treatment. In an environment where police responses to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders are increasingly scrutinized, it is critical to highlight and evaluate ways that behavioral health and law enforcement agencies work together to collaboratively address these problems.

Committing to Resilience in Tough Times

“…Earlier in this reflection, I wrote that resilience touches everything we do at the National Council, and it truly does. As you read the breadth of research and experiences included in this issue of JBHS&R, from mental health among service members and veterans with disabilities 10 to implementing a police-mental health collaborative 11 to mental health treatment strategies in youth communities 12 to asking suicide screening questions, 13 I urge you to read these articles through a resilience-oriented lens. I think that you will find a new appreciation for the power of resilience.…”