A better response to behavioral health crises.

Specialized officers, behavioral-health professionals, and community partners work together to improve safety, dignity, and connection to care.

Get crisis information Explore HPD programs

Immediate danger? Call 911. This site is not monitored for emergency response.

Houston Police Department personnel assisting a community member

Programs and services

Specialized teams for complex community needs.

Explore how the division’s programs support people in crisis and connect them with care and community services.

Crisis Response Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) HPD officers and licensed clinicians respond together to serious behavioral health calls across Houston. Homeless Outreach Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) Relationship-focused outreach connects people experiencing homelessness with services, identification, care, and housing resources. Crisis Call Diversion CCD Mental health professionals help redirect eligible non-emergency calls toward the most appropriate support. Mental Health Follow-Up Chronic Consumer Stabilization Initiative (CCSI) A collaborative team engages people with repeated police contact and connects them with sustained treatment and social services. Boarding Homes Boarding Homes Enforcement Unit (BHEU) Education, inspections, and ordinance enforcement help protect residents of boarding and residential facilities. Senior Justice Senior Justice Assessment Center (SJAC) A multidisciplinary partnership coordinates assessment, safety, and services for older adults affected by crime or abuse.
Houston Police Department training academy entrance

Professional training

Training for the decisions that matter.

Practical instruction and scenario-based exercises prepare law-enforcement professionals to communicate, de-escalate, assess risk, and connect people with appropriate resources.

Training schedule

There are no upcoming sessions posted right now. Please check back for new dates.

View courses and registration

Explore Houston’s approach

About the division and its research

Built through partnership

Houston’s approach has grown through collaboration among police, behavioral-health professionals, service providers, and the community.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is a central partner in this work. Beyond the featured response programs, the division’s training, investigations, and data-informed coordination support its broader mission.

Investigative personnel review mental-health-related police reports and maintain information that helps identify repeated concerns and potential risks to individuals or the public.

About the division Plan a professional site visit

General questions

Not sure which team you need?

Contact the Mental Health Division and we’ll help direct your non-emergency question.

Contact the division