Early results for Bloomington Police Department’s brain health program show increased client well-being, high satisfaction, positive community reception and a meaningful reduction in barriers to accessing mental healthcare.
Launched in 2023, the Bloomington Community Brain Health Services program was created in response to increasing mental health crises, provider shortages, long wait times for services and rising law enforcement involvement in crisis calls. The Bloomington model integrates licensed therapists and supervised graduate-level interns directly within the police department, offering up to 15 free sessions of therapy delivered in homes, schools, virtual settings and community spaces.
The program was featured in a recent article in the journal “Forensic Scholars Today.” The article identifies challenges faced during program launch, from navigating legal and risk management requirements to addressing stigma and offers a roadmap for those seeking to integrate therapeutic services into public safety systems. Learn more at blm.mn/brain-health.
