Alternative response programs, which deploy mental health professionals instead of police to handle certain 911 calls, have expanded significantly following high-profile incidents of police violence. These initiatives aim to address mental health crises with clinical support rather than law enforcement, raising questions about the training, resources, and community trust needed for success. As demand grows, experts are examining how to ensure these programs effectively bridge gaps in emergency care while maintaining public safety. The shift reflects broader debates over policing and mental health care in crisis situations.
Alternative response programs, where mental health clinicians respond to 911 calls instead of police, have proliferated since George Floyd's murder. What does it take to do this work well?
