Posted: Monday, November 10, 2014

The Providence Center (TPC), the largest community mental health center in Rhode Island, and the Warwick Police have initiated a new partnership through which TPC will assign a clinician within the Department.

The community diversion clinician will assist Warwick Police respond to incidents in the community where mental illness is a contributing factor. The clinician, Maureen Gouveia, has worked in the fields of corrections, criminal justice, and mental health for more than ten years. She has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Springfield College in Manchester, NH, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in law from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. She most recently served as substance abuse therapist for a TPC program at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

As community diversion clinician, Gouveia will provide professional consultation to officers, identify available resources to assist officers and members of the community, and connect individuals to treatment, avoiding inappropriate, costly, and ineffective involvement with the criminal justice system. Prior to joining officers responding to calls, Gouveia participated in an accelerated version of the Department’s training program for new recruits.

“There is a real benefit for public safety when we can intervene early and connect people to treatment and get them the help they need,” said Captain Joseph Coffey, of the Patrol Division. “With the addition of a clinician to our team, we will have greater professional expertise on hand to diagnose conditions, defuse tensions, and help a situation end in a positive way for all members of the community.”

“The ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness early is known to enhance timely access to care and treatment,” said Chief of Police Stephen McCartney. “This team intervention model will improve timely access to care and treatment while building public trust and confidence in police and community mental health services.”

The clinician is assigned to the Warwick Police Department by as part of TPC’s commitment to provide mental health services directly in the community.  It is modeled on an identical program through which TPC has assigned a community diversion clinician to the Providence Police Department since 2012.

“At The Providence Center, we believe in responding to community need wherever and whenever we can make a difference,” said Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., president/CEO of The Providence Center. “We know this program works. It will improve public safety, save money, increase the effectiveness of officers, and provide better treatment for people in need due to mental illness.”

The Department will seek grant funding to continue, and possibly expand, initiative.

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said, “This innovative partnership will not only benefit those relying upon police in times of crisis, but it will also benefit our neighborhoods by further enhancing public safety. We are very fortunate to have organizations like The Providence Center, which continue to help strengthen our community.”  

Serving more than 13,000 people a year, The Providence Center is the Rhode Island’s largest community mental health organization and operates with an annual budget of $44 million. The agency employs 700 staff.  Its services are provided statewide through 13 locations in Providence, Burrillville, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Warwick.

Additional Media Coverage: 

Mental health expert joining Warwick Police via WPRI.com

Clinician will assist police with mental illness calls via Matt Bower of the Warwick Beacon

It's about time Editorial via the Warwick Beacon