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I work with mental health clients in west Portland, and Phil is right about getting patients/clients in the door.  Compliance with treatment is paramount, and we see non-compliance every day.  Seriously mentally ill clients, those who may need to be protected by committing them to a state hospital, are less frequently committed because freedom (or their "right to folly") is seen as more important at this time.  These are the clients who are spinning/floating, perhaps; we say "circling the drain."  As for the police, they have been great, though they could always use more training, as we always can.  Mr. Collins, despite his attempt to enter mental health treatment, was a danger to others (he was threatening people with a weapon).  I have no doubt that he knew how to go to the ER or to Cascadia/CCC, etc.  I hope the officer involved learns from the experience and returns to work. 

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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