Business Details
6 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Justice & Mental Health Collaboration in Prescott, AZ
Founded with a commitment to community well-being, the Yavapai Justice & Mental Health Coalition has dedicated itself to bridging gaps between justice systems and behavioral health services. Our team brings decades of collective experience in social work, law enforcement, and public health, ensuring our strategies are grounded in real-world needs. We specialize in cross-system collaboration, crisis intervention training, and policy advocacy to reduce incarceration rates for individuals with mental health challenges.Recognized as a trusted leader in Yavapai County, we maintain transparency through quarterly public meetings and data-driven progress reports. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with compassionate care, prioritizing long-term systemic change over temporary fixes. This commitment to integrity and community partnership has established us as a vital resource for both justice-involved individuals and local service providers.
Services
Mental Health Crisis Intervention
Involuntary Evaluation Process
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Crisis Response Training
Suicide Prevention Coalition
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer cross-system collaboration between justice and behavioral health professionals
- Our team includes law enforcement leaders and mental health experts with decades of experience
- We provide specialized crisis intervention training for first responders
- Our programs focus on school-based mental health access for youth
- We maintain active engagement with statewide policy developments
Services
Mental Health Crisis Intervention
Our 24/7 crisis response teams provide immediate assistance for mental health emergencies across Yavapai County. This service connects individuals in crisis with mobile outreach teams and emergency stabilization units. We coordinate with law enforcement and healthcare providers to ensure appropriate care while reducing unnecessary incarceration.
Involuntary Evaluation Process
We facilitate Arizona's Title 36 court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment process. Our team coordinates applications, screenings, and court proceedings for individuals unable to seek voluntary treatment. This includes emergency admissions, psychiatric evaluations, and mandated treatment planning.
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Our pretrial diversion initiatives redirect low-level offenders with substance abuse issues toward treatment instead of incarceration. We collaborate with prosecutors and behavioral health providers to create personalized rehabilitation plans that address root causes of criminal behavior while maintaining public safety.
Crisis Intervention Training
We deliver specialized training for law enforcement and school personnel to recognize mental health crises and de-escalate situations effectively. Our programs include Mental Health First Aid, ASIST suicide prevention, and CIT certification to improve community safety and reduce justice system involvement.
Suicide Prevention Coalition
Our coalition coordinates community-wide suicide prevention efforts through education, resource sharing, and crisis support networks. We work with local agencies to reduce stigma around mental health services and provide immediate assistance options for individuals in emotional distress.
People
Beya Thayer
Executive Director
With over 25 years in social services, Beya Thayer leads coalition strategy development and systems change initiatives. Her expertise in multi-agency collaboration drives sustainable partnerships between justice and behavioral health sectors.
David Rhodes
Sheriff, Yavapai County
Sheriff Rhodes champions justice reform through mental health integration, focusing on crisis response protocols and jail diversion programs. His leadership shapes policy improvements across county correctional facilities.
Audrey Dorfman
Community Member
As advisory council chair, Audrey Dorfman advocates for evidence-based practices and improved access to mental health treatment for justice-involved individuals. Her policy expertise strengthens coalition initiatives.
Tamara Player
CEO, Polara Health
Tamara Player oversees mental health service delivery for the coalition, ensuring quality crisis care and treatment program implementation. Her clinical leadership guides involuntary evaluation processes and treatment planning.
Leslie Horton
Director, Yavapai Community Health Services
Leslie Horton coordinates health system integration, connecting behavioral health resources with justice programs to improve outcomes for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Questions
How can I get involved with the coalition?
Contact us through our website or attend quarterly public meetings to join our cross-sector initiatives addressing mental health and justice system integration.
What services do you offer for crisis situations?
We provide 24/7 crisis response teams, mobile outreach, and emergency mental health evaluations through partnerships with local providers and law enforcement.
How does the involuntary evaluation process work?
Our team facilitates Arizona's Title 36 process for court-ordered mental health evaluations, including emergency admissions, psychiatric assessments, and treatment planning.
Do you offer training for law enforcement?
Yes, we provide Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Mental Health First Aid, and suicide prevention courses for law enforcement and school personnel.
What areas do you serve?
Our programs operate throughout Yavapai County, Arizona, including Prescott, Cottonwood, and surrounding communities.
How do you help reduce incarceration rates?
We implement pretrial diversion programs, school-based mental health access, and cross-system collaboration to divert individuals from the justice system toward treatment.
