An innovative program from the Bloomington Police Department is changing how the City responds to mental health crises. The Bloomington Community Brain Health Services Program provides immediate, no-cost mental health care to residents, with the goal of reducing police and emergency room visits.
The program, the first of its kind in Minnesota, employs two licensed therapists, supported by student interns, who work directly for the BPD. This team offers rapid response therapy sessions in a person’s home, at Bloomington Civic Plaza or through telehealth and provides referrals.
The pilot program, funded with $63,000 from the state’s opioid settlements and state Public Safety Aid funds, has already made a significant impact. From December 2023 to September 2025, 130 individuals, couples and families received referrals and 78 are engaging in treatment. These clients have completed 536 therapy sessions to date.
By providing immediate and affordable access to care, the program is helping to fill a critical gap for the approximately 4,200 uninsured residents in Bloomington. For more information, contact BPD Therapist Luke Campbell at lcampbell@BloomingtonMN.gov or 612-240-1433.
