Crisis Care
Telehealth Crisis Response Support for Law Enforcement
Meeting the Growing Demand for Crisis Care
Law enforcement officers across the country are increasingly called to respond to behavioral health concerns, substance use crises, and situations involving risk of self-harm. While committed to serving their communities, many officers lack the specialized clinical training needed to assess and stabilize individuals in crisis.
Avel eCare Crisis Care bridges this gap with an innovative virtual co-responder program. Through secure, cellular-enabled tablets, officers can connect 24/7 with licensed behavioral health professionals who assist with de-escalation, stabilization, and safety assessments in real time—whether on the roadside, in a home, or anywhere else a crisis occurs.
Support does not end once the immediate crisis is resolved. Avel’s model ensures individuals are connected with local behavioral health resources for follow-up care, promoting long-term stability and recovery.
The Beginnings of Virtual Crisis Care
The success of this model led to expansion beyond South Dakota. With additional support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, Virtual Crisis Care launched in Nevada in 2022, where it continues to grow and make an impact for law enforcement agencies and their communities.
The Impact of Crisis Care
Early Intervention and De-escalation
Crisis Care is built on a proactive model that prioritizes early intervention. By providing behavioral health expertise at the scene, the program reduces the need for involuntary holds and ensures individuals receive the most appropriate care.
Resource Optimization
By reducing unnecessary ER visits, jail admissions, or prolonged law enforcement involvement, Crisis Care helps agencies conserve time, staff, and financial resources—while keeping communities safer.
The Future of Crisis Care: Anywhere, Anytime
Avel eCare is actively expanding Crisis Care to additional states, counties, municipalities, and higher education institutions.
In 2023, Avel eCare launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with South Dakota State University (SDSU) to support its University Police Department. Officers responding to student mental health concerns now have direct access to Avel’s behavioral health experts, who provide real-time assessments and recommend next steps—ranging from next-day follow-up to immediate counselor involvement.
With mental health challenges among college students on the rise, this program offers a scalable, adaptable, and responsive solution for supporting student well-being.
Guidance when it matters most.
From de-escalation to long-term support, Avel eCare Crisis Care equips law enforcement with expert behavioral health backup—anytime, anywhere.
