In recent years, cities across the United States have increasingly explored alternative responses to mental health emergencies that do not involve law enforcement. One such initiative is Stockton’s Care Team, a full-time mobile response program designed to provide trauma-informed, compassionate support to individuals experiencing mental health or drug-related crises. This program is part of a broader movement to reimagine emergency response systems in ways that prioritize community well-being, de-escalation, and the provision of appropriate care rather than punitive measures. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Stockton Police Department, local behavioral health providers, and community organizations with the goal of reducing harmful interactions and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.
The Care Team is composed of a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including a social worker, case manager, health worker, and medical assistant. These individuals receive specialized training in trauma-informed care, a therapeutic approach that emphasizes understanding and responding to the impact of trauma on an individual’s behavior and mental health. According to Alfonso Apu, director of behavioral health at Community Medical Centers, the key principle guiding the Care Team is to meet individuals where they are. This means approaching each situation with compassion, without judgment, and with a focus on holistic care that considers the person’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
The program is modeled after the Crisis Assistance Helping Out of Poverty (CAHOPI) program in Eugene, Oregon, which has been in operation since 1989. The Eugene model has demonstrated success in reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and arrests for individuals experiencing mental health crises. This evidence-based approach is now being adapted for Stockton’s community context, with the hope of achieving similar positive outcomes. The Care Team operates in a van equipped with basic medical supplies, water, and snacks, allowing for immediate, on-site assistance when needed.
The Care Team responds to 911 calls that traditionally involve police, such as reports of a person who seems disoriented, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs. In these situations, police are often called to manage the crisis, but may lack the training or resources to provide effective mental health support. By redirecting these calls to the Care Team, Stockton is taking a significant step toward ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the care they need from trained professionals who are equipped to address the root causes of their distress.
One of the primary goals of the Care Team is to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with appropriate services. After calming the person in need, the team may help schedule appointments with doctors or mental health specialists, or connect them with social services that can address housing, employment, or other underlying issues. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of further crisis escalation but also fosters long-term support and stability for individuals who may otherwise fall through the cracks of the traditional emergency response system.
The Care Team’s approach is grounded in the recognition that many individuals experiencing mental health crises have complex, interrelated needs that cannot be addressed by emergency services alone. Trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to the individual’s history and experiences, particularly if they have been exposed to trauma or chronic stress. This approach is especially relevant in the context of Stockton, where many individuals have experienced systemic disinvestment, economic hardship, and limited access to mental health resources. By providing compassionate, non-judgmental support, the Care Team aims to restore a sense of dignity and agency to individuals in crisis.
The initiative is also part of a larger movement to reimagine public safety and emergency response in ways that are more aligned with the needs of the community. In cities like Oakland and San Francisco, similar programs have been implemented in response to growing concerns about police violence and the over-policing of marginalized communities. These efforts are often supported by community organizations, faith groups, and advocacy groups who recognize the limitations of traditional policing in addressing mental health and social service needs.
In Stockton, the Care Team is being implemented with the support of the city, the Stockton Police Department, and various community stakeholders. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that the program is integrated into the broader emergency response system and that it complements rather than replaces existing services. The Stockton Police Department has also taken steps to support the mental health and well-being of its own officers through the establishment of an Organizational Wellness Unit. This unit provides counseling, stress management programs, and peer support networks to help officers cope with the emotional and psychological demands of their work. By investing in the well-being of its staff, the department is recognizing that the mental health of its officers is closely linked to their ability to serve and protect the community effectively.
The Care Team’s work is also being supported by the Your Way Registry, a new initiative that empowers community members to have a greater voice in how emergency services respond to their needs. This registry allows individuals to provide information about their preferences and needs in the event of an emergency, ensuring that responders are better equipped to provide personalized, respectful care. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of emergency services but also promotes a sense of trust and collaboration between the community and its service providers.
Despite these promising developments, the Care Team’s success will depend on continued investment, training, and community engagement. The program is still in its early stages, and while initial reports suggest that it is making a positive impact, more data is needed to fully assess its effectiveness. Ongoing evaluation and refinement will be essential for ensuring that the Care Team continues to meet the evolving needs of the community and that it serves as a model for other cities seeking to implement similar initiatives.
The Care Team also represents a broader shift in how mental health and emergency services are being conceptualized and delivered. Rather than relying on traditional law enforcement to manage mental health crises, cities like Stockton are investing in community-based solutions that prioritize care, compassion, and collaboration. This approach is particularly important in the context of a national mental health crisis, where access to appropriate services is often limited, and where individuals in crisis may feel misunderstood, stigmatized, or overlooked by the system.
For individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, the Care Team offers a much-needed alternative to the often chaotic and distressing experience of interacting with emergency services. By providing a more supportive, non-judgmental response, the Care Team is helping to restore a sense of dignity and hope to individuals who may have felt abandoned or ignored in the past. This approach not only benefits the individuals receiving care but also contributes to a more compassionate and resilient community as a whole.
In conclusion, Stockton’s Care Team is a promising initiative that represents a significant step forward in the development of trauma-informed, community-based mental health services. By providing compassionate, holistic support to individuals in crisis, the Care Team is helping to address the root causes of distress and promoting long-term well-being. This initiative is part of a larger movement to reimagine emergency response systems in ways that prioritize care over control, and it serves as a model for other cities seeking to implement similar programs. As the Care Team continues to evolve, it will be important to gather and share data on its impact, ensuring that it remains a valuable and effective resource for the Stockton community.