September 17th, 2024 | Global News via UVic News
A new article highlights a recent study done by the University of Victoria which demonstrates the significant benefits of integrating police officers with mental health teams in Victoria, British Columbia. This innovative approach has shown promising results in improving client outcomes, particularly in reducing violence risk and avoiding the criminalization of individuals with mental health issues. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals to create safer and more effective support systems.
Leading this research are UVic professors and registered psychologists Dr. Erica Woodin and Dr. Catherine Costigan. Their work focuses on integrating Victoria police officers with Island Health’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, which provides comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to individuals with serious mental illnesses. Their findings suggest that including police officers in these teams enhances safety for both clients and staff and helps officers build rapport with clients, leading to more effective crisis interventions.
Dr. Woodin specializes in clinical psychology, focusing on relationship dynamics and mental health interventions. Her research explores how interpersonal relationships impact mental health and how therapeutic interventions can improve these dynamics. Dr. Costigan, an expert in developmental psychology, studies the impact of social environments on mental health, examining how different social contexts influence individual development and well-being. Together, their collaborative efforts aim to enhance mental health services and outcomes for individuals with complex needs, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary approaches.
This study showcases the potential of integrated care models in improving mental health outcomes. By combining the expertise of mental health professionals with the practical experience of police officers, the ACT program in Victoria is setting a new standard for community mental health care. The findings highlight the benefits of such collaborations and pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to a more compassionate and effective mental health care system.
You can find “Integrating Municipal Police Officers onto Assertive Community Treatment Teams (IMPACT): Findings from the Victoria Police Department” on the institutional repository, UVicSpace, along with other publications by the researchers.
