ACS Help Reconnect Man in Crisis with Mental Health Care
ALBUQUERQUE – An elderly father, unable to deescalate his adult son during a mental health crisis, dialed 9-1-1 seeking urgent assistance. Behavioral Health Responders from the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department were dispatched and met the father, who, despite having limited understanding of mental health, recognized that something was seriously wrong.
Inside the home, ACS responders met his 40-year-old son, visibly distressed pacing, sweating, and attempting to self-soothe through exercise. Responders met the man with empathy and patience, engaging him in a supportive conversation.
The man shared his feelings of emptiness and disconnection, revealing that he had recently broken up with his partner, lost his job, was off his prescribed medications, and had not undergone a mental health evaluation in over a year.
One of the ACS responders was able to connect with the man over a shared work experience from the past, helping build trust and rapport. Through calm and consistent dialogue, the team helped him reflect on his situation and the importance of treatment.
Within an hour, responders were able to build rapport and deescalate the man who voluntarily agreed to be transported to the UNM Psychiatric Center for evaluation and reconnection with mental health services.
“Everyone deserves dignity and care in their hardest moments,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These responders are saving lives by meeting people with humanity and helping them take the first step toward healing.”
“The healing journey is not linear,” said ACS Behavioral Health Responder, Naomi Benavidez. “This was a situation where the man was in crisis and needed someone to provide proper guidance and assist him through his crisis.”
ACS responders play a crucial role in supporting community members through behavioral health crises, offering compassion, connection, and access to care often when it is needed most.
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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.