Kelly Castiglio, Grant Sheridan, and Joseph Osborne of the San Marcos Police Department's Mental Health Unit (left to right) pose for a photo in their office on January 11, 2024.
The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) Mental Health Unit (MHU) is comprised of a team of one corporal, two police officers, and one mental health physician. They work together to respond to people in mental health crises to get them the help they need.
MHU operates with the sole purpose of saving lives. SMPD is one of many police departments along with MHU. As this trend continues to grow, the force hopes to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of mental health among civilians.
According to its website, MHU received 2,431 calls for mental health investigations, suicidal individuals, mental health follow-up, emergency detention, and K-9 treatment deployments in 2022. Grant Sheridan, an MHU official, said the unit sometimes receives five to six calls a day from civilians and students in San Marcos.
“We're seeing quite a few students,” Sheridan said. “Their stressors can range from financial issues, school issues, family issues, work issues, or a combination of all of those. So by having this unit in our police department, , allowing police to better serve people in crisis.”
According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five Americans experience a mental health problem. MHU Corporal Joseph Osborne emphasizes the importance of reaching out, whether the issue is personal or for family and friends.
“We feel it's really important to address the stigma associated with mental health and for everyone to understand that there's nothing wrong with wanting help,” Osborne said. “We want people to feel comfortable reaching out and asking for help when they need it, or when their loved ones need it.”
Crisis Care Coordinator Kelly Castillo said finding things students can do every day that make them feel better can help treat mental illness. Examples of self-care that Castillo shared include taking a walk, watching a favorite TV show, taking a bath, playing with a pet, and exercising.
“Sometimes people think like this.” [self-care] It has to be a really grand story, like, 'We're going to Florida for a week's vacation,''' Castillo said. “Even if that's not the case…you have to take care of yourself first.”
MHU works strictly to save lives and point people in the right direction. People are urged to seek help, whether or not they use the service.
“As a student or anyone, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it,” Osborn said. “There are people out there who are interested, who care, and who will help.”
For more information about SMPD MHU, please visit its website. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In case of emergency, please call 911.
