San Antonio, January 22, 2026
San Antonio is evaluating a pilot program to integrate mental health support into its 911 emergency response system. This initiative aims to connect callers with trained mental health professionals for non-urgent situations, potentially decreasing the need for police involvement. The city’s existing mental health crisis response efforts, including the SA CORE team, already demonstrate success in improving mental health support. As the program moves forward, officials are expected to examine successful models from other Texas cities to enhance the efficiency of mental health crisis responses.
San Antonio Considers Mental Health Integration into 911 System
San Antonio, Texas – The city is exploring a pilot program aimed at incorporating mental health support into its 911 emergency response system. This innovative initiative seeks to better handle non-urgent mental health calls by directly connecting callers with trained professionals, with the potential to minimize the necessity for police or emergency medical services.
Details of the Proposed Pilot Program
The collaborative effort involves the city, the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, and the Center for Health Care Services. The focus of the proposal is to effectively triage mental health-related calls, particularly those classified as “low-acuity.” Assistance may be provided over the phone without the need to dispatch emergency responders, addressing situations such as concerned parents about a teenager’s school attendance or individuals facing suicidal thoughts without an immediate plan.
The city’s chief mental health officer underscored the importance of offering immediate and compassionate responses to such calls and emphasized the urgent need for accessible mental health resources for residents experiencing crises.
Current Mental Health Response Efforts
San Antonio has already taken significant strides to enhance its mental health crisis responses. The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) initiated a Mental Health Unit in 2008, which actively collaborates with local authorities and the San Antonio Fire Department to connect residents to appropriate mental health services. This unit also provides crisis intervention training for law enforcement personnel and dispatchers, ensuring formidable support for those in need.
In April 2022, the San Antonio Community Outreach and Resiliency Effort (SA CORE) team was established. This multidisciplinary group—composed of a police officer, a paramedic, and a mental health clinician—responds directly to mental health-related 911 calls. Initially focusing on the Central Police Substation area, the program expanded to offer 24/7 coverage citywide in June 2024. Between January and April 2024, SA CORE had an impressive response record, addressing 1,224 calls and resolving most on-site, which led to only two arrests. This aligns with the core goal of connecting individuals with mental health care instead of resorting to incarceration.
Next Steps and Considerations
The planned pilot program is still in its early stages, and details regarding implementation timelines and budget allocations remain undetermined. The city is examining existing successful models from other Texas cities to guide its approach. This initiative is poised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of responses to mental health crises, ensuring individuals receive care tailored to their needs.
Background Context
San Antonio’s commitment to improving mental health crisis responses reflects a broader understanding of the necessity for specialized support during emergencies. By incorporating mental health professionals into the 911 system, the city aims to deliver timely and compassionate assistance, thereby relieving pressure on emergency services and effectively addressing the distinct challenges that mental health crises present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed pilot program in San Antonio?
The city is considering a pilot program to integrate mental health support into the 911 emergency response system. This initiative aims to address non-urgent mental health calls by connecting callers with trained professionals, potentially reducing the need for police or emergency medical services.
Who is involved in the proposed pilot program?
The collaboration involves the city, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, and the Center for Health Care Services. The plan focuses on triaging mental health-related calls, particularly those deemed “low-acuity,” by offering assistance over the phone without dispatching emergency responders.
What are “low-acuity” mental health calls?
“Low-acuity” mental health calls refer to situations where individuals are experiencing mental health challenges that do not pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. Examples include concerns about a teenager’s reluctance to attend school or individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts without an immediate plan.
What is the San Antonio Community Outreach and Resiliency Effort (SA CORE) team?
SA CORE is a multidisciplinary team comprising a police officer, a paramedic, and a mental health clinician. Launched in April 2022, the team responds to mental health-related 911 calls, aiming to connect individuals with appropriate mental health care rather than resorting to incarceration. The program expanded to provide 24/7 coverage citywide in June 2024.
How can residents access mental health support in San Antonio?
Residents can access mental health support through various resources, including the SAPD Mental Health Unit, the SA CORE team, and the Center for Health Care Services, which offers a 24-hour Crisis and Substance Use Helpline at 1-800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988 for immediate assistance.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Mental Health Response Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Year Launched | Coverage | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Police Department Mental Health Unit | Collaborates with local authorities and the San Antonio Fire Department to connect residents with mental health services and offers crisis intervention training for law enforcement personnel and dispatchers. | 2008 | Citywide | Enhanced coordination between emergency services and mental health resources. |
| San Antonio Community Outreach and Resiliency Effort (SA CORE) Team | A multidisciplinary team comprising a police officer, a paramedic, and a mental health clinician, responding to mental health-related 911 calls to connect individuals with appropriate mental health care. | April 2022 | Central Police Substation area; expanded to citywide 24/7 coverage in June 2024 | Resolved the majority of calls on-site with minimal arrests, aligning with the program’s goal to connect individuals with mental health care rather than incarceration. |
| Proposed 911 Mental Health Pilot Program | Explores integrating mental health support into the 911 system to address non-urgent mental health calls by connecting callers with trained professionals, potentially reducing the need for police or emergency medical services. | Proposed in January 2026 | Pending implementation | Aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health crisis responses, ensuring individuals receive appropriate care tailored to their needs. |
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