New NRI State Profiles Report: Transportation of Individuals Experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis

Historically, people experiencing a behavioral health (BH) crisis have been transported to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital by law enforcement officers, often while restrained (i.e., in handcuffs). Having law enforcement (LE) transport people to BH services is both stigmatizing for those being transported and burdensome/costly to LE systems. 

This report focuses on state initiatives and policies to enable Mobile Crisis Teams, Law Enforcement, and EMS providers to transport individuals in crisis directly to specialty behavioral health crisis services—while minimizing unnecessary use of restraints and Emergency Departments.

Profiles reports are available at: www.nri-inc.org/profiles. State Mental Health Agency staff have access to detailed accompanying materials through the NRI’s State Profiles restricted access website. Please contact NRI at profiles@nri-inc.org with any questions or comments.