SOUND’s Co-Responder Program involves a team of clinicians partnering with police and fire departments in King County, to provide mental health support during emergency responses. Currently, SOUND collaborates with the Tukwila Police Department, Burien Police Department, and Burien Fire Department. This partnership ensures that a mental health professional can respond alongside or in place of first responders when needed.
SOUND Co-Responders assist a diverse range of individuals within the communities they serve. They accompany police to incidents likely involving a mental health crisis, such as crimes, domestic violence situations, child welfare concerns, or instances when people are in need of food, shelter, or water. By building positive relationships within their communities, co-responders work with judges, prosecutors, school counselors, and social workers to divert individuals experiencing a mental health crisis from jail to appropriate treatment. This alternative response enhances community trust in law enforcement and alleviates the burden on first responders, allowing them to focus on tasks they are specifically trained to handle.
SOUND Co-Responders, like our crisis team, are trained in risk and safety assessments and short-term interventions. Once stability and safety are achieved, co-responders collaborate with clients to identify beneficial resources and connections. They facilitate access to mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, shelter, and other essential resources.
The primary goal is to deliver the appropriate care at the right time, tailored to each individual and their situation. Co-responders have the flexibility to adapt in real-time, ensuring that individuals are safe and have a plan for maintaining safety. This program also provides community members with an alternative response to police intervention, enabling officers to focus on their areas of expertise while co-responders leverage their specialized skills.
SOUND currently operates the Co-Responder Program in partnership with the Tukwila Police Department, Burien Police Department, and Burien Fire Department.
Client services 206-901-2000
A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is an integrated model of care designed to ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral healthcare for everyone, regardless of ability to pay, residence, age or diagnosis. CCBHCs continue to close the treatment gap that leaves millions of people in the US unable to access lifesaving mental health and substance use care.
