A team of clinicians that responds to mental health and substance use crises without police is now serving all of Marion County.
The Clinician-Led Community Response team, which launched in Indianapolis in 2023, has expanded its coverage from only specific districts in Indianapolis to the entire county. The program dispatches mental health professionals to certain crisis calls instead of police officers when someone calls 911.
The team now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Marion County.
Andrea Brown, the executive director of the Clinician-Led Community Response team in Indianapolis, said the expansion means residents across the county can access the same crisis response services, regardless of where they live.
“I hated always having to go into events or speaking engagements and say, ‘Hey, but we're only in downtown ...’ and so it's like, ‘Okay, well, what about our neighbors on the east side? What about our neighbors on the west side?’” Brown said.
“It's going to be impactful because it's accessible, it's equitable, and it's available to everyone.”
The team, which operates in partnership with Stepping Stones Therapy Center, is trained in de-escalation, crisis intervention and safety planning. The teams are also able to connect people with resources in the community.
Brown said the people the team responds to are often in need of housing, substance use treatment or just need somewhere to stay while waiting to return to a shelter.
She said the expansion is important because it ensures everyone in Marion County knows they have access to help if they need it.
“Making sure, the same way that our neighbors have access to 911 for any type of medical or public safety emergency, that they also have the option to have that same level of support and care for any type of mental health crisis,” Brown said.
Farrah Anderson is an investigative health reporter with WFYI and Side Effects Public Media. You can follow her on X at @farrahsoa or by email at fanderson@wfyi.org
