For nearly three years, mental health clinicians have been working alongside law enforcement to respond to calls, and they have made it their mission to answer every single one.
The Crisis Co-Response Team (CCRT) is a unique and innovative partnership between law enforcement and mental health professionals from Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Central Illinois
This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive and compassionate response to individuals experiencing mental health crises in the community. The CCRT model is built on a collaborative approach, where trained professionals work side-by-side with law enforcement to engage with individuals in crisis, stabilize their situation, and connect them to appropriate mental health resources.
“At its core, CCRT is about compassion and care,” said Liz Miner, Director of Crisis Services for Rosecrance. “We’re here to listen, understand, and offer hope to those feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in a dark place. Our goal is to provide support and resources that help people thrive, no matter what they’re going through.”
In Central Illinois, mental health professionals collaborate with Champaign County, Rantoul, and Urbana law enforcement. So far this year, the teams from these departments have helped almost 170 people.
Rosecrance CCRT staff works with these individuals for up to 60 days, providing follow-up services and ensuring they are connected with the resources they need to recover and become self-sufficient. The ultimate goal is to help the individual reach a point where they no longer require support from the team.
“When you examine the response to the crisis, CCRT is having a positive impact. They have an opportunity to change the perception of mental health and criminality. They can assess a person’s struggles and strengths and offer assistance, which is especially significant coming from a system that has not always been that way,” Miner said.
While CCRT is embedded in specific locations, anyone experiencing a crisis can call 988 for support and services.
“Our Mobile Crisis Response team is motivated to help and be the calm in someone’s storm. Having that perspective, our team is driven by the fact that there are people in this community who need an immediate response, and our team is willing to rise to the challenge and be there for them,” Miner said.