Police departments contract with Canvas Health to detail clinical social workers for co-response to mental health, homelessness, substance use disorders, and other quality-of-life issues.
Embedded clinical social workers are employed by Canvas Health, receive clinical supervision, and make direct referrals to county crisis services. When needed, they consult with other mental health and substance use disorder professionals on the best type of care and resources to offer individuals and families.
Canvas Health social workers are currently embedded within the Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Police Department and Fridley, Minnesota, Police Departments.
Each day, a social worker is assigned a patrol officer and responds with them to in-progress calls that involve (or are likely to involve) mental health, behavior, or emotional issues. The social worker, who does not wear a police uniform and is unarmed, provides de-escalation and stabilization for individuals who are in crisis.
In addition to responding to calls in progress, social workers follow up with individuals who have been identified as likely to benefit from services and help connect those individuals to resources and services.
Collaborative Crisis Intervention Response Program Data – Columbia Heights Program: 2023
Police Executive Research Forum Report Columbia Heights Police Department Case Study: Rethinking the Police Response to Mental Health-Related Calls – Promising Models
Read the full report here.
KARE11: Columbia Heights Police Department touts successful embedded social worker program
Roll Call – Columbia Heights Police Department Podcast: Embedded Mental Health Expert Eileen Sowry
Canvas Health Blog: Success Story: Columbia Heights Embedded Social Worker Program
Anoka County Board of Directors Meeting – Crisis Services Presentation
2022 T. Nightingale Community Policing Award
For more information:
Dr. Khu Thao, CEO
info@canvashealth.org
(651) 777-5222
Job openings:
Canvas Health is currently hiring for an Embedded Police Mental Health Professional to work in the Columbia Heights Police Department. Apply here.
Mental Health Crisis Services Supervisor, Anoka Mobile Crisis Response
Starting where the client is at and building a trusting and safe rapport is the key to supporting change and improving one’s mental health. It takes courage to seek therapy or crisis services. Our job is to honor that courage and assist clients in recognizing their own strengths and build on them.
20+ years of experience working with children and family, adults, and the elderly in schools, community/home and clinic settings conducting diagnostic assessments, building skills, providing psychotherapy and coordinating care.
In Anoka County, receive immediate assistance if you are experiencing a mental health crisis by calling (763) 755-3801.
Embedded Police Mental Health Professional
Start where the client is. Don’t be afraid to think out-of-the-box and get creative.
Embedded Mental Health/Police Co-Responder
I believe in meeting people where they are at — taking to understand them as the unique person they are.
I have experience working with justice system involved individuals who are also experiencing mental health symptoms and/or substance use concerns. I have particular experience working with those experiencing suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms.
