Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program
The Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program is an alternative response team that includes behavioral health clinicians and paramedics to engage individuals experiencing mental health distress and substance use disorders. STAR responds to low-risk calls where there are no significant safety concerns. STAR is a civilian emergency response that is dispatched by Denver 9-1-1.
To request support from the STAR team in Denver, please call 9-1-1 or 720-913-STAR (7827). An operator will dispatch the most appropriate available response.
If you are, or someone you know is, experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.
If you are, or someone you know is, in need of confidential and immediate mental health, substance use, or emotional help, please visit Colorado Crisis Services online, call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 38255 to be connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional with a master's or doctoral degree.
Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. Help and hope are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Open 24/7/365, the Denver Walk-In Center provides in-person, confidential crisis support, information and referrals for individuals of all ages. The Walk-In Center is located at 4353 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does STAR help?
STAR responds to any person in Denver needing urgent help related to mental health distress, poverty, homelessness, substance misuse, resource needs and more. The team can provide medical assessment/triage, crisis intervention, de-escalation, transportation and resource connection for community members in need.
How is STAR dispatched?
STAR is dispatched through Denver 9-1-1 Communications. All of the civilian call takers and dispatchers at the communications center are trained to triage STAR calls and send the most appropriate available response. All calls are screened for safety and appropriateness.
Where does STAR respond?
STAR operates and is dispatched to calls in the city of Denver. STAR operates seven days a week, 365 between the hours of 6 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Why isn’t STAR available 24-hours a day?
Data shows that the highest call volume occurs between 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The STAR team is currently expanding to better meet the demand of this time frame. The STAR teams’ goal is to expand to 24/7 coverage when there is capacity. The program is currently building capacity with the goal of expanding to 24/7 coverage by 2025.
Operations Data
As of February 2024
- Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Sunday.
- Staff/Vehicles (current total count): 16 EMT/ paramedics, 16 behavioral health clinicians, 8 vans.
- Staff/Vehicles Expansion (fall 2023 new total count): 16 EMT/ paramedics, 16 behavioral health clinicians, 8 vans.
- Volume/Outcomes: Since June 1, 2020, STAR has responded to over 8,000 calls that would have otherwise been dispatched to police. 41% of individuals served by STAR were referred to formal mental health or substance use treatment. 38% of people served by STAR were transported to a community resource.
Fact Sheets
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