Ben Adam Climer

In most cities around the nation, police departments, fire departments, and emergency medical services respond to calls related to substance abuse, emotional distress, and other mental health issues—whether they are trained to handle these issues or not.

But what if there were an equivalent of an EMT or paramedic for psychiatric problems? That is the idea behind CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping out on the Streets). In this Mental Health Minute, Ben Adam Climer explains the history, philosophy, and efficacy of the CAHOOTS program.

worked for CAHOOTS as a crisis worker for 5 years and an EMT for 2.5 of those years. He now lives in Pasadena, CA where he helps Southern California cities develop CAHOOTS-style programs.

Videos

An innovative program sends mental health first responders out onto the streets. 

Ben Adam Climer

Articles

Paramedics for Mental Health?