Support when it matters most.

A Collaborative Approach to Policing and Mental Health Support.

The CSU Co-Responder Team brings mental health support and campus safety together to help people in distress feel heard, supported, and connected to the right resources.

What is a Co-Responder?

Mental health expertise alongside campus safety.

A Co-Responder is a licensed mental health professional who works alongside a Crisis Intervention Team-trained police officer. Together, they respond to mental health crises, emotional distress, and other situations where a supportive approach can make a difference.

When someone is experiencing a crisis.

Crisis situations that may require Co-Responder support include:

• Thoughts of suicide or immediate safety concerns
• Severe mental health or emotional distress
• A panic attack or overwhelming emotions that cannot be managed safely
• A substance-use-related crisis
• Acute confusion, loss of contact with reality, or concerning behavioral changes
• A need for emergency mental health evaluation or voluntary hospital transport

How the Co-Responder can help

Compassionate support. Practical next steps.

Calm

Provide a compassionate, de-escalating presence.

Assess

Identify immediate concerns and individual needs.

Connect

Link people with CSU and community resources.

Follow up

Check in—with consent—to support continued care.

Program impact

Safer interactions. Better connections. Stronger outcomes.

• Match the mental health and law-enforcement response to the individual’s needs.
• Reduce unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system.
• Connect people with appropriate university and community services.
• Support safe, respectful, and compassionate interactions.

"A proactive approach that addresses immediate needs while supporting long-term well-being"

Meet CSU’s Co-Responder

Desiree R. James

MSSA, LISW

Providing calm, compassionate mental health support and helping members of the CSU community connect with the resources they need.

• CSUPD Dispatch: (216) 687-2020, ask for Desiree
• Counseling Center: (216) 687-2277, ask for Desiree
• Email: d.r.james@csuohio.edu