The ‘fourth option’ sets out to prevent escalation and improve outcomes when a caller is in need of mental health support.
The Memphis Police Department is transforming how it responds to mental health emergencies through a new initiative called the “Fourth Option,” which routes eligible 911 calls to a specialized team of a paramedic, a licensed social worker, and a crisis-trained officer.
MHC’s own Michael Randolph, Director of Co-Response Services, was featured in the story, emphasizing that having trained responders on the phone can begin de-escalation from the very first moment of contact.
This is the kind of community partnership MHC believes is essential to closing gaps in mental health care across Tennessee.
