Los angeles rethinks Mental Health Crisis response: A Clinician-Led Approach
Table of Contents
- 1. Los angeles rethinks Mental Health Crisis response: A Clinician-Led Approach
- 2. Pilot Program diverts Thousands of Calls
- 3. budget Concerns Threaten Program’s Future
- 4. Why Remove Law Enforcement?
- 5. How the Program Operates
- 6. Hopes and Anxieties
- 7. Broader Efforts in Los Angeles
- 8. The Path Forward
- 9. How do community initiatives adn partnerships factor into the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Los Angeles’ alternative crisis response programs?
- 10. LA’s Mental Health Crisis Response: A New Approach? Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma
- 11. The Clinician-Lead Pilot Program
- 12. Budget Constraints and the Future of the Program
- 13. The Role of Law enforcement in Mental Health Crises
- 14. Broader Community impact and Future Directions
Los Angeles is pioneering a shift in mental health crisis response, diverting thousands of calls from law enforcement to unarmed teams of clinicians. A pilot program launched a year ago has demonstrated promising results, reducing police intervention and maintaining response times under 30 minutes. But with budget constraints looming, the program’s future hangs in the balance.
Pilot Program diverts Thousands of Calls
The Los Angeles pilot program has successfully addressed over 6,000 calls, with the “overwhelming majority” handled without police involvement. This innovative approach aims to de-escalate situations and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate mental health services.
Godfrey Plata, deputy director of LA Forward, stated, “This is exactly the type of solution that we’re interested in.”
budget Concerns Threaten Program’s Future
Despite its success, the $14 million program faces an uncertain future as its contract with local nonprofits is set to expire at the end of August. The Office of the City Administrative Officer has submitted a budget proposal to Mayor Karen Bass’s office to extend the program.
A spokesperson for Mayor Bass stated, “The budget advancement process is underway, and the Mayor will release her budget proposal on April 21.” The program’s continuation hinges on this decision.
Why Remove Law Enforcement?
Advocates argue that involving law enforcement in mental health crises can escalate situations, leading to violence. Data supports this claim, with an examination finding that “nearly one-third of LAPD shootings since 2017 involved someone living with a mental illness and/or experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez’s office has lauded the program as a “game changer,” emphasizing that it allows Angelenos in crisis to “receive care from trained professionals instead of armed officers,de-escalating conflicts,preventing needless arrests,and connecting people to the support they need.” They added, “This is what community-centered, trauma-informed care looks like in action.”
Statistics show that in 2023, the LAPD received approximately 43,000 calls related to mental health crises. The pilot program’s 30-minute average response time contrasts favorably with the county’s mobile crisis response, which has struggled to meet the same benchmark.
How the Program Operates
The city partnered with Exodus Recovery, Alcott Center, and Penny Lane Centers to deploy six teams across various divisions. These teams operate 24/7 and are trained in de-escalation, mental health support, substance use intervention, and conflict resolution. Crucially, while they cannot order psychiatric holds, they focus on connecting individuals with local resources and providing follow-up care.
Examples of their work include providing food to individuals in need, assisting business owners in engaging with unhoused individuals, and mediating family conflicts.
Hopes and Anxieties
Despite the program’s apparent success, advocates express concern about the lack of firm commitments from City Council members. Godfrey Plata noted, “We started meeting with different council offices, and while there is general support for this work, no one is willing yet to make any commitments or to confirm that this money will be carried over to continue funding another year.”
Jason Enright, a volunteer with LA forward, worries about the potential for police intervention if his son, who has autism, experiences a crisis. “As a parent, it’s like, it keeps me up at night thinking that someone could be trying to help my son and that could end up in his death,” Enright explained.
Enright believes the program’s relatively small budget and encouraging response times warrant further investment. “Clearly something’s working. I think with the proper funding and investment, and building it out to the whole city, I think it really could make a big impact,” he said.
Broader Efforts in Los Angeles
The city pilot is part of a larger network of initiatives to address crises without armed police. This includes the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE), which focuses on mental health crises involving unhoused individuals. Additionally,the county partners the Department of Mental Health with local fire stations to create field intervention teams,which responded to 21,000 calls in 2024.
The Path Forward
Los Angeles stands at a pivotal moment in reshaping its approach to mental health crises. The success of the pilot program offers a compelling case for continued investment and expansion. By prioritizing clinician-led responses, the city can reduce reliance on law enforcement, de-escalate sensitive situations, and connect individuals with the care they need. The upcoming budget decision will determine whether this promising initiative can continue to serve the community and pave the way for a more compassionate and effective crisis response system.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, resources are available.Contact Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services for help, nonetheless of your insurance status.
How do community initiatives adn partnerships factor into the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Los Angeles’ alternative crisis response programs?
LA’s Mental Health Crisis Response: A New Approach? Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma
Los Angeles is exploring new ways to respond to mental health crises, shifting away from traditional law enforcement intervention. We spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a clinical psychologist and consultant on mental health crisis intervention strategies, to discuss the city’s pilot program and its potential future.
The Clinician-Lead Pilot Program
Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us.Los Angeles has launched a pilot program using clinician-led teams to respond to mental health crises. what makes this approach diffrent and possibly better?
Dr. Sharma: The key difference is the focus on de-escalation and connection, rather than enforcement. Law enforcement, while well-intentioned, isn’t always equipped to handle the nuances of a mental health crisis. Clinician-led teams are trained to understand and address the underlying issues, building trust and connecting individuals with the appropriate resources. This can prevent escalation and potentially avoid unneeded arrests or, tragically, violence.
Budget Constraints and the Future of the Program
Archyde: The article mentions budget concerns that threaten the program’s future. Given its apparent success, what’s at stake if funding isn’t renewed?
Dr. sharma: The stakes are incredibly high. This pilot program has diverted thousands of calls from law enforcement and maintained extraordinary response times. Losing funding woudl mean reverting to a system that isn’t always the most effective or compassionate for individuals in crisis. It would also squander the momentum built and the valuable data collected, hindering future advancements in mental health crisis response.
The Role of Law enforcement in Mental Health Crises
Archyde: Advocates argue that involving law enforcement can escalate situations. Can you elaborate on why that might be the case?
Dr.Sharma: When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they’re often in a heightened state of distress.The presence of law enforcement, with uniforms, weapons, and an inherent authority, can be triggering and exacerbate the situation, even unintentionally.Trained clinicians, on the other hand, can create a safer and more supportive environment, fostering communication and de-escalation.
Broader Community impact and Future Directions
Archyde: The program utilizes a network of local nonprofits. How crucial is this community-based approach to its overall success?
Dr. Sharma: It’s absolutely vital. These nonprofits have deep roots in the community and understand the specific needs and resources available. They can provide culturally competent and tailored support, ensuring individuals receive the right kind of care. This community-based approach fosters trust and enables more effective long-term engagement.
Archyde: Considering the various initiatives in Los Angeles, including the CIRCLE program and partnerships with fire stations, what’s the ultimate vision for mental health crisis response in the city?
Dr. Sharma: The vision is a thorough,coordinated system where individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive the appropriate level of care from the right professionals,at the right time. This means diverting calls away from law enforcement when appropriate, ensuring rapid response times, and connecting individuals with lasting resources. It’s about building a more compassionate and effective system that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Archyde: a thought-provoking question for our readers: What role do you believe communities play in supporting these alternative crisis response programs, and what changes would you like to see implemented to enhance mental health support in Los Angeles?
