What is Mental Health Co-Response?

The Palmer Lake Police Department has introduced a collaborative program called the Behavioral Health Connect Unit, or BHCON, which pairs a licensed counselor with a police officer. The program originated in El Paso County in 2018 and has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Sheriff's Office.

Launched in February 2025, this initiative is a joint effort between the PLPD, El Paso County Sheriff's Office, UCHealth, and the state's Behavioral Health Administration. The team responds to emergency calls involving individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or behavioral issues. The BHCON program has achieved significant success in the El Paso County area, enabling individuals in crisis to receive support in the comfort of their own surroundings. By doing so, the unit has successfully diverted people from the criminal justice system and prevented overcrowding in hospital emergency departments.

Notably, the BHCON team does not respond to calls with flashing lights and sirens. Instead, they use an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a screen in the back seat, allowing clinicians to assess individuals in a safe and controlled environment. Clinicians are also equipped with radios and bulletproof vests, but they only approach individuals once the officer has deemed the situation safe. Evaluations often take place in unconventional settings, such as the side of a road, a truck stop, or a homeless camp.

In situations where an individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others, they may be placed on an M-1 hold for 72 hours by a Police Officer or a licensed clinician. It's essential to understand that clinicians are highly qualified professionals, including independently licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers. Each clinician has a master's degree, 3,000 supervised clinical hours, and has passed a state competency test.

Here are some quick facts about Suicide in the US. Reference: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/colorado-gun-violence-prevention-resource-ban...

• Suicide rates among Americans of all ages increased by 36% from 2000-2021 (CDC, 2022a). 
• The rate of firearm suicide among U.S. youth aged 18 or younger has increased by 54.1% from 2001-2021 (CDC WISQARS).
• One person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States (CDC, 2022a). 
• More than nine in 10 people who attempt suicide will not go on to die by suicide later (Owens et al., 2002).
• There were 26,328 firearm suicides in the U.S. in 2022, accounting for 55% of all suicide deaths (NCHS, 2021).
• 89.6% of suicide attempts with a firearm are fatal (Conner et al., 2019)
• The rate of firearm suicide is two times higher in rural areas than in urban areas (NCHS, 2021).

Our dedicated team truly believes in the mission to decrease these stats and seeks to create a life line for those who need it. Many calls related to mental health crises come in through 911, often from concerned loved ones or the individual in crisis themselves.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please don't hesitate to reach out for help by calling 911 or one of the non-emergency lines below. 

If you are in the El Paso County area or anywhere other than Colorado Springs and it is not an emergency call (719) 390-5555.

If you live in the incorporated City of Colorado Springs and it is not an emergency call (719) 444-7000.

Text or call 988: The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. 

Colorado Crisis Line 24/7/365: Text "Talk" to 38255 or Call 1-844-493-8255 

Common topics people reach out about include depression, grief and loss, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, bullying, stress, parenting concerns, trauma, drug and alcohol use, relationship problems, family crisis, anxiety, domestic violence, being unhoused, disability, concerns for a friend or family member, recovery support, and resource questions.