Mental Health & Wellness Bureau

Crisis Response Unit

The MDPD, in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department and various community partners, established the Crisis Response Unit (CRU) to provide specialized assistance for citizens experiencing a mental health crisis.

The following are the types of calls for service to which the CRU responds:

• Baker Act
• Attempted suicides
• An individual in crisis or possibly suffering from mental illness
• Persons who are mentally challenged of any age
• Missing persons who are emotionally or mentally challenged of any age

In addition to responding to calls for service, the CRU officers maintain strong partnerships with mental health provider agencies as well as individuals and family members affected by mental illness. Licensed clinicians are assigned to the CRU to respond to mental health calls, when feasible; provide consultation and training to the CRU; and monitor consumer care/case management. Additionally, two MDFR paramedics, who have advanced education and training in psychiatry, are also assigned to the Unit. The goal of the unit is to de-escalate, assess, and divert those in crisis to behavioral health services in a safe, humane, and compassionate manner.

Threat Management Unit

The Threat Management Unit performs: case management for individuals detained under the Florida Mental Health Act and identified as a high utilizer or who have displayed violent tendencies; threat assessment and case management involving individuals identified as a person of concern with a believed mental health condition, who have engaged in or are suspected of noncriminal behavior that could lead to a targeted act of violence to others; and provide follow-up threat assessment and case management for individuals who have been served with a Risk Protection Order and believed to have a mental health condition.

Victim Services Program

The Victim Services Program provides social service referrals, along with emotional and general support, to victims of crimes as they navigate through the criminal justice process.

• Provide emotional support at the scene of a crime and/or via phone
• Provide crisis intervention at the scene of a crime
• Conduct death notifications
• Conduct Department of Children and Families notifications and any necessary follow-up assistance
• Coordinate translation services as needed
• Coordinate forensic interviews and examinations
• Assist in transporting victims and/or families, as appropriate
• Identify and provide referral assistance for necessary services, to include:

Crisis and Hostage Negotiator Program

The Section is also responsible for the administrative and clinical supervision of the Crisis and Hostage Negotiator Team, including the selection and training of the team members. At least one in-house clinician responds with the negotiators and the Special Response Team to every crisis/hostage incident throughout Miami-Dade County, serving as mental health consultants to the team.

8240 NW 52nd Terrace, Suite 106
Doral, FL 33166
Phone: 305-591-1106
Fax: 305-597-7812
Email: psbinfo@mdpd.com

The Psychological Services Sections offers comprehensive, in-house psychological services to its employees. The PSS is staffed with sworn and civilian mental health professionals, licensed by the state of Florida, and trained in police psychology. The Section offers a robust mental wellness program, which includes a full spectrum of clinical, educational, and consultation services in a confidential setting for all departmental employees. Services include individual and/or couples counseling, as well as group counseling in the areas of substance abuse and bereavement.