Mental Health
The Irvine Police Department is committed to our community’s mental health and wellness.
When patrol officers respond to a mental health crisis, they use de-escalation and crisis intervention training to stabilize the situation and provide immediate support. Afterward, the case is referred to the Mental Health Outreach Unit (MHOU), which follows up with the individual when they are in a better place to accept help and resources. The MHOU comprises three full-time police officers and a sergeant whose primary focus is mental health and homeless outreach.
I-CARE
The Irvine Community Alternative Response and Engagement (I-CARE) Team comprises professional staff who handle mental health crisis assessments, homeless outreach and resource connection, nonviolent dispute resolution, welfare checks, and other community-based needs that may not require a law enforcement response. The team works closely with our Mental Health Outreach Unit officers and patrol to provide the highest quality of service to those in need.
The MHOU and I-CARE work closely with community partners, including Orange County Behavioral Health, to connect clients with wraparound services. Support is flexible and tailored to the client’s needs, whether through a home visit, meeting at the police station, or in a public setting.
Contact Numbers
- To connect with the Mental Health Outreach Unit (outreach@cityofirvine.org)
- To connect with I-CARE (icare@cityofirivne.org)