TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona has unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving mental health support across its campus. The University of Arizona Crisis Mobile Team (UACMT) has been designed to provide a more effective, compassionate response to mental health-related calls.
Patti Norris, a University of Arizona alumna with over 23 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor in Arizona, has been appointed as the co-responder for UACMT. Norris, who has been with the university’s Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) since 2018, will work alongside the University of Arizona Office of Public Safety. Her role focuses on crisis intervention and de-escalation for students in mental health crises.
While the UACMT program officially launched in February, the co-responder position began in July 2024. “The goal is to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Aaron Barnes, Director of CAPS. “Sending police officers to these calls doesn’t always help, and when we spoke with UAPD, it became clear they also wanted mental health experts out on the front lines.”
The initiative stems from a proposal presented to former UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins in 2021, following a rise in mental health-related calls. As of this year, the university has approved funding for two full-time mental health responder positions. In addition to Norris, a second full-time co-responder is set to be hired.
Norris’s day-to-day responsibilities vary widely. She is equipped with a police radio and responds to calls using both a police vehicle and a golf cart, depending on the situation. “We see students in crisis, but this is just a moment in time. Our job is to make sure that moment doesn’t define them,” Norris explained.
Students at the UA mall echoed this sentiment. Freshman Alexis Saffer commented, “A police officer can be intimidating for many people in crisis. Counselors, however, are trained to respond with empathy and understanding.”
In addition to UACMT, the university’s Threat Assessment Management Team has launched new training for students and faculty through Edge Learning, focusing on targeted violence and de-escalation techniques.
Students seeking mental health resources can contact CAPS at 520-621-3334, schedule an appointment online, or visit a CAPS location during operating hours. University employees also have access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Counseling by calling 877-327-2362.
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