BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The city of Bloomington is unveiling a new program Thursday aimed at reducing the number of non-violent mental health calls to which police officers respond.
The program will provide community members with immediate in-home therapy at no cost.
The Bloomington Police Department said this is a much-needed service in the community. Last year they responded to more than a thousand mental health calls and are approaching that number this year already.
Here is how it will work: It’s a pilot program funded by the state’s opioid settlements and state public safety aid. The program includes two licensed marriage and family counselors who will be embedded within the police department. The two therapists will supervise four students are who completing their clinical practice requirements.
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Police say usually follow-up therapy sessions are not available for weeks after mental health calls, which increases the potential for repeat incidents. Officials hope this program helps address that.
“This program is different, but different is what we need if we’re going to be more responsive and effective in how we deal with the human debris field left in the wake of unapologetic profiteers,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker T. Hodges said.
The department said it will partner with the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, which will provide them with support and resources as they embark on this program.
WATCH: Bloomington officials announce new, no-cost therapy program
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