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 – 2024
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
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 Mental Health Co-responder
Sometimes life can be too much to handle. These moments can come quickly and when every minute counts, I want to be there to help as soon as I can. My goal is to provide whatever hope and support I can in those moments and set the trajectory for a positive outcome.
Andrew has 8 years of experience in the mental health crisis services, from in-home support to inpatient hospitalization. Andrew brings experience, empathy, and creativity to his current role as an embedded mental health responder with the police.
Embedded Mental Health Co-responder
Start where the client is. Don’t be afraid to think out-of-the-box and get creative.
Embedded Mental Health Co-responder
I understand that a day when you need law enforcement assistance or a day ending in incarceration is likely not the manifestation of the morning’s intention, a childhood dream, or a day you would give a 5-star review. My career has been dedicated to working with clients who have faced these types of events and experienced numerous of associated stressors. I know that healing and recovery is possible. If you’ve experienced these hardships, my wish for you (yes you) is that you either have or can find that same hope. I work collaboratively with clients to help identify what’ needed to move through the hardships towards their goals and/or stabilization.
Vicki is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker whose education specialized in multi-cultural practice. Her practice with individuals and groups has included work in both residential and community settings. While she has experience supporting clients who are addressing a variety of concerns, her specializations include trauma and/or past victimization, serious and persistent mental illnesses, social and interpersonal skills, toxic masculinity, sexual violence, and adjustment to life transitions. She is passionate about working with justice involved clients and those facing mental health and/or criminal commitments.
