Georgia has a growing number of mental health co-responder programs, through which licensed mental health providers partner with peer specialists and police to respond to behavioral health crises. These programs aim to improve responses, de-escalate situations, and connect individuals with services.

While co-responder models offer significant benefit to communities, the professionals involved face mental health risks that require specific coping strategies. Co-responders (peers, police, mental health professionals) are exposed to high-stress and traumatic situations, including suicide threats, domestic violence, substance use crises, and more, which are known risk factors for mental health conditions including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

This presentation will address high stress situations facing co-responders, identify risk and protective factors, and provide support for peers and providers to effectively care for others while maintaining a healthy/balanced lifestyle.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss high traumatic stress situations facing co-responders
2. Identify risk and protective factors for mental health conditions
3. List culturally responsive clinical approaches and community resources to support co-responders
4. Have practical, self-regulating, real-time tools for emotional health management