Feature Article

Palo Alto to Expand PERT Program for Mental Health Calls

The Palo Alto Police Department has agreed to expand and extend the PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team) program despite ongoing staffing challenges. This program involves partnering police officers with behavioral clinicians on calls involving mental health crises. The decision was made on September 11th, 2023, with the hope of improving the safety and well-being of both residents and police officers.

Background

Mental health emergencies are on the rise in the United States, with police officers frequently being the first responders. The stigma surrounding mental health often makes it difficult for individuals to seek help, which can lead to escalation of situations. The PERT program was designed to provide a more effective response to mental health crises by pairing police officers with mental health professionals.

The PERT Program

The PERT program was launched in Palo Alto earlier this year to improve the city's response to mental health crises. The program involves pairing police officers with mental health professionals to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. These calls often involve individuals who are suicidal or experiencing extreme emotional distress and require immediate intervention.

The PERT team can provide an evaluation of the individual and determine the appropriate course of action, including transport to a hospital for inpatient care or referrals for outpatient treatment. The goal of the program is to provide a safe and effective response to mental health emergencies while reducing the likelihood of criminal charges being filed.

Challenges

Despite the benefits of the program, there have been challenges with staffing. Finding and training qualified mental health professionals has been difficult, and the demand for services has been high. Police officers are also not always available to respond to calls with mental health professionals due to other police duties.

Expansion of the Program

The expansion of the PERT program in Palo Alto is a positive step forward in addressing mental health emergencies and providing individuals with appropriate care. The extension of the program will allow mental health professionals to respond to more calls, and continued expansion of the program will help to meet the increasing demand for mental health services.

The program also shows promise in reducing the likelihood of criminal charges being filed against individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By providing appropriate care and treatment, individuals can avoid unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system.

Beyond Palo Alto

The expansion of the PERT program in Palo Alto may serve as a model for other cities and towns grappling with mental health emergencies. The program provides a more effective response to mental health crises and could lead to more positive outcomes for individuals in need of mental health services.

Conclusion

The expansion of the PERT program in Palo Alto is a promising development in addressing mental health emergencies. By pairing police officers with mental health professionals, the program provides a more effective response to mental health crises and reduces the likelihood of criminal charges being filed. The program's success may also inspire other cities and towns to adopt a similar approach in addressing mental health emergencies.

Palo Alto Backs Expanding Program for Mental Health Calls-Mental,PERT