January 22, 2025
In a groundbreaking initiative to address mental health crises across the city, Chicago has officially launched its first-ever citywide mental health crisis response team. Announced on January 22, 2025, this pioneering program is designed to provide immediate, compassionate, and professional care for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, aiming to reduce police involvement and improve outcomes for people in distress.
The new initiative, named the CrisisCare Team, will dispatch mental health professionals—including licensed therapists, social workers, and trained counselors—directly to the scene when a mental health crisis is reported. These teams will operate 24/7, responding to calls from residents in distress and offering assistance in a non-judgmental, trauma-informed manner. The program was developed in response to the growing recognition that many mental health emergencies are best handled by professionals who specialize in mental health care, rather than by law enforcement.
“Chicago is taking an important step toward treating mental health with the seriousness and compassion it deserves,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson during the announcement. “The CrisisCare Team is designed to meet people where they are and provide the right kind of support during their most vulnerable moments, ensuring that every resident gets the care and attention they need without fear of criminalization.”
The program is a partnership between the City of Chicago, local mental health organizations, and the Chicago Police Department. When a mental health emergency call is made to 911, dispatchers will now have the option to send a CrisisCare team instead of—or in conjunction with—police officers. This model is designed to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing emotional distress or behavioral health issues, while avoiding the potential for criminal charges or unnecessary arrests.
CrisisCare teams will be equipped with the latest in mental health training, crisis intervention techniques, and community-based support networks to offer immediate care. In addition to providing onsite assistance, they will also link individuals with long-term mental health resources, helping them access follow-up care, therapy, and support groups.
The initiative is part of Chicago’s broader effort to prioritize mental health care within the public health framework, addressing a gap in services for those who may not require law enforcement intervention but are in need of urgent mental health support. By responding quickly and effectively, the CrisisCare team aims to reduce the strain on emergency rooms, avoid unnecessary interactions with the criminal justice system, and improve long-term health outcomes for individuals in crisis.
This initiative has been widely praised by mental health advocates, who argue that it represents a much-needed shift toward a more empathetic and effective approach to mental health care. “For too long, mental health crises have been mishandled by systems ill-equipped to offer real help,” said Maria Gutierrez, a mental health advocate in Chicago. “This program sets a new precedent for how cities can respond to those in need with dignity, respect, and expertise.”
The CrisisCare Team will begin operations in select neighborhoods, with plans to expand citywide over the next year. As the program rolls out, it is expected to not only improve mental health outcomes but also serve as a model for other cities across the nation grappling with similar challenges. Chicago’s commitment to rethinking mental health crisis response offers a hopeful vision for how communities can provide more humane and effective solutions for their most vulnerable residents.
