Care Plus NJ, a nonprofit provider of integrated behavioral healthcare and addiction services, has expanded its ARRIVE Together crisis response program to 18 municipalities throughout Bergen County.
The expansion strengthens collaborative partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and licensed mental health clinicians, ensuring individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies receive immediate, compassion-driven clinical support.
ARRIVE Together (Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation) pairs certified mental health screeners and care coordinators with police officers trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) de-escalation protocols. The co-responder framework is designed to de-escalate psychiatric emergencies, prevent unnecessary arrests or emergency room visits, and connect residents directly to community-based treatment.
First introduced in Englewood in October 2023, Care Plus NJ has steadily built out the initiative across Bergen County. Participating municipalities now include:
- Initial & Core Network: Alpine, Bergenfield, Cliffside Park, Dumont, Elmwood Park, Englewood, Fort Lee, Glen Rock, Leonia, Palisades Park, Paramus, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook, Teaneck, and Tenafly.
- Recent Expansions: Cresskill, Garfield, and Ridgewood.
Since its inception, Care Plus NJ’s ARRIVE Together team has opened more than 2,000 cases and completed over 9,500 in-person and telephone follow-ups, establishing long-term continuity of care for residents in need.
“The growth of ARRIVE Together across Bergen County reflects the value of bringing behavioral health professionals and law enforcement together to better support individuals experiencing crises,” Amie Del Sordo, Executive Senior Vice President of Crisis & Community Services at Care Plus NJ, said. “These partnerships allow us to support police officers as they respond to behavioral health crises, while helping residents navigate difficult and often overwhelming situations with compassion, clinical expertise and access to appropriate care.”
Care Plus NJ has trained over 1,000 law enforcement officers across the county in CIT practices, enabling officers to recognize psychiatric conditions and employ effective de-escalation techniques.
When responding to 911 calls involving behavioral health issues, clinicians and officers work in tandem to evaluate immediate safety, perform on-site psychiatric screenings when necessary, and stabilize the situation.
Crucially, the ARRIVE Together model extends beyond emergency response. Care Plus NJ staff conduct structured follow-up care to connect individuals with outpatient mental health services, substance use treatment, housing assistance, and employment resources.
“Our work doesn’t end when the immediate crisis is over,” Abraham Haché, Program Manager of ARRIVE Together at Care Plus NJ, said. “Building trust takes time, especially when someone may be hesitant to seek help. By staying connected with individuals and understanding their needs, we can help them access the right resources and support them as they work toward greater stability.”
