The Columbia Heights Police Department, in partnership with Canvas Health, is proud to announce the addition of Vicki Schroeder, MSW, LICSW, as the department’s new embedded mental health co-responder. This role is part of the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Response Program, a joint initiative launched in December 2021 to provide compassionate, community-based mental health support alongside law enforcement.
Vicki is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker whose education specializes in multicultural practice. She brings extensive experience working with individuals and groups in both residential and community settings. Her clinical focus includes trauma and past victimization, serious and persistent mental illness, toxic masculinity, sexual violence, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about supporting justice-involved individuals and those facing mental health or criminal commitments.
“I understand that a day involving law enforcement or incarceration is rarely the outcome someone envisioned when they woke up,” said Schroeder. “My career has been dedicated to helping people navigate those moments and find hope. I work collaboratively with clients to identify what’s needed to move forward.”
Each day, Vicki is paired with a patrol officer and responds to in-progress calls involving behavioral health, emotional distress, or mental health crises. She provides on-scene de-escalation and stabilization and follows up with individuals who may benefit from ongoing support and services.
“In the last several years, mental health has been a factor in a significant percentage of our calls, and we believe that number is increasing,” said Chief Matt Markham. “Having a trained mental health professional like Vicki on board helps our officers better address the challenges our citizens face. This includes improving access to services, reducing use-of-force incidents, and decreasing hospital transports and repeat calls from high-utilizer individuals.”
The Columbia Heights Police Department selected Canvas Health as its partner because of the agency’s established presence as Anoka County’s Mobile Crisis Response provider. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to community wellness, public safety, and reducing stigma around mental health.
“We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Columbia Heights Police Department,” said Dr. Khu Thao, CEO of Canvas Health. “Vicki’s expertise and compassion will help ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely, appropriate, and lasting support.”
