LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A pilot program with the City of Henderson has a goal to get in-person mental health resources straight to those in need, all after a call to 988.
Later this year, when you call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and speak to a mental health professional, the 988 team can connect you to the city of Henderson’s “Crisis Response Team.”
Right now, the CRT is dispatched through 911; after a call comes into 911 for a mental health crisis or a “behavioral health” call, the Crisis Response Teams are dispatched along with police and fire crews.
Several jurisdictions across Las Vegas dispatch mental health teams along with first responders.
MORE NEWS: North Las Vegas officer honored at Nevada Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
“We stay on scene, try to make that warm handoff connection to services right then and there. If the person is transported to a hospital, we’ll even go to the hospital,” said clinical supervisor Lisa Kelso.
The team follows up with people in the hospital the next day, and can stay in touch for up to 90 days to make sure people get the resources they need.
Nationwide, 911 calls for mental health have soared and caused a strain on resources for police and fire. The American Psychological Association estimates up to 20 percent of 911 calls are for mental health emergencies; some jurisdictions face even higher ratios.
In the city of Henderson alone, in a span of six months from July to December 2025, dispatchers took in 1,700 calls for mental health.
When the 988 team eventually connects a caller to the Crisis Response Team, there are hopes to get people mental health support faster– and free up critical fire and police resources for emergencies.
“It’s estimated that of the calls that do go to 988, actually, only 2% need a law enforcement intervention. So that’s where we’re trying to free up law enforcement, trying to free up fire and EMS to respond to the calls where they are absolutely needed,” Kelso said.
“So it’s a change and a shift in looking at behavioral health and trying to really have the behavioral health clinicians respond to that crisis versus sending law enforcement or fire EMS if it doesn’t warrant that,” Kelso said.
“This will help us ensure that we’re connecting people faster,” she said.
For now, those in Henderson with a mental health crisis can continue to call 988; dispatchers will continue to route your call to 911 if you need more resources.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.