When Crisis Hits, You Don't Have to Choose Between Safety and Care

What actually happens...

When you call 911 for a mental health emergency, you get both a deputy and a crisis clinician showing up together. The deputy makes sure everyone's safe. The clinician makes sure you get the right help.

No handcuffs unless absolutely necessary. No automatic trip to jail. No sitting in an ER for multiple hours.

Just two professionals who understand that a mental health crisis isn't a crime, it's a health emergency.

This approach achieves multiple critical goals at the same time:

1. Jail diversion for individuals whose primary need is mental health treatment rather than incarceration,

2. Reduced recidivism by connecting people to ongoing care that addresses root causes,

3. Faster treatment access by eliminating barriers between crisis and care, and

4. Reduced burden on frequent 911 callers through proactive case management and service connection.

Here's what used to happen...

You call 911. Police show up. They're doing their best, but they're not therapists. Someone ends up in jail or an emergency room, and the real problem—the mental health crisis—gets lost in the shuffle.

In 1988, Memphis invented a better way. The Memphis Model. And Alliance makes it even better.

Take the first step. Call (901) 369-1410 today.

When to Call 911 for SAFE Team Response

These situations are exactly what we're here for:

• Someone talking about suicide or has made an attempt

• Severe panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety

• Psychotic episodes - hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there, believing things that don't match reality

• Manic episodes with dangerous behavior

• Severe depression where someone can't function or take care of themselves

• Substance use crisis or withdrawal that's creating psychiatric symptoms

• Domestic situations where mental illness is escalating conflict

• Someone who keeps calling 911 repeatedly because they're not connected to ongoing care

• PTSD reactions that have someone in crisis

• Anyone who's stopped taking their psychiatric medications and is decompensating

You're not bothering anyone. You're not overreacting. If you're worried enough to consider calling, call.

The SAFE Team is part of a proven national movement backed by rigorous research. Recent peer-reviewed studies and comprehensive program evaluations demonstrate that co-responder models (pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals) significantly outperform both police-only responses and Crisis Intervention Team training alone.

The Memphis Model Meets Modern Innovation

Memphis didn't just adopt crisis intervention. We created it.

In 1988, after a tragedy involving police and a man experiencing mental illness, our community said "never again." Police, mental health providers, NAMI, universities, and advocates came together to build something revolutionary.

That's the Memphis Model of Crisis Intervention Team training. It's why our deputies know how to de-escalate. It's why they understand mental illness. It's why they partner with mental health providers instead of seeing every crisis as a law enforcement problem.

SAFE Team is that model's next evolution.

We're building on 37 years of getting this right, adding the clinical expertise that turns a good response into a life-changing intervention.

Where You'll Go from Here

When SAFE Team assesses you or your loved one they're opening doors to Alliance's full continuum of care:

Immediate stabilization:

• 24/7 Crisis Wellness Center with 30 crisis beds and 15 detox beds

• No appointment necessary, no insurance required

• Up to 23 hours of observation and stabilization

Ongoing treatment:

• Outpatient therapy (individual, group, family)

• Medication management

• Intensive outpatient programs

• Addiction recovery services

• Housing assistance

• Case management

You walk in at your worst. We help you build your best.

Alliance has been doing this for 50+ years. We're Shelby County's largest comprehensive behavioral health provider, serving over 22,000 residents annually. CARF-accredited. Nonprofit. Mission-driven.

We're not going anywhere. And neither is our commitment to you.

If You're in Crisis Right Now

Don't wait. Don't wonder if it's "bad enough." Call.

• Call 911 ask dispatch for a SAFE Team for community-based mental health emergencies

• Alliance 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 901-369-1410

• Walk-in anytime at our Crisis Wellness Center

• Children & Youth Crisis Line: 1-866-791-9226

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 anytime