First Step of Sarasota has partnered with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department to create a Behavioral Health Response Team. The team of on-call, licensed clinicians will be mobilized to assist individuals and families with behavioral health needs, lessen trauma, divert from emergency departments and prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations. Clinicians and law enforcement will create personalized safety plans for those in crisis, and offer therapeutic and mental health services. The program also seeks to benefit those with underlying mental health conditions that have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. First Step of Sarasota is a mental health and substance abuse treatment center offering inpatient and outpatient services.