The Irvine Police Department Mental Health Unit, established in 2014, takes a case-management approach that has been lauded on a state and national level. Two dedicated Mental Health Officers are paired with a County clinician on a weekly basis to follow up on cases in which a mental health need is identified.
Our Mental Health Officers have advanced expertise, with one working toward a doctoral degree in psychology. Another integral member of the team is a clinician from the City’s FOR Families program who is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
As we know, mental illness is often an underlying cause of homelessness. To that end, one of the team’s Mental Health Officers serves a Homeless Liaison Officer, providing outreach to those experiencing homelessness.
In addition to these dedicated resources, all Irvine PD Patrol Officers have attended crisis intervention training.
To speak to a Mental Health Officer, call 949-724-7000 or email outreach@cityofirvine.org.
Other Resources
- City of Irvine FOR Families: 949-724-6650
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: 24-hour Suicide Prevention Line 800-273-8255
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): 800-950-6264
