Welcome to Thriving Mind
Home Get Help
Get Help
Get Started Adult Services Children and Youth Services Mental Health Services Substance Use Services Baker and Marchman Acts General Resources
Back
Initiatives
Initiatives
Initiatives and Programs Housing Services Opioid Treatment/CORE Peer Support Services Prevention Services Recovery-Oriented System of Care Child Welfare Sesame Street Partnership Trauma Recovery
Back
Our Providers
Our Providers
List of Providers Map of Providers
Back
About Us
About Us
Our Mission Leadership Department Directory Blog File A Grievance Careers News Reports
Back
Contact
Join Our Network
Join Our Network
Join Our Network Expression of Interest Form Policy
Back
Provider Resources
Provider Resources
DCF Contract and Amendments Network Provider Contract Document Updates Sponsorship Resources Procurement
Back
Calendars
Calendars
Meeting and Events Calendar Events Calendar Training Calendar
Back
Donate Crisis Support
Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site
Blog Categories
Peer Spotlight (1)Mental Wellness (49)About Thriving Mind (1)Substance Use (6)Initiatives (7)Prevention Spotlight (1)Opioid Treatment (5)General News (93)Sesame Street (1)COVID-19 (5)Emergency Preparedness (2)Census (2) View All
Miami-Dade Police and Thriving Mind Program Named Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site

A program run by the Miami-Dade Police Department and Thriving Mind South Florida has been named a Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site by the Council on State Governments Justice Center.

Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Sites are a resource for agencies looking to tailor successful implementation strategies and response models to address their own distinct problems and circumstances.

See full announcement on programs here.

Jurisdictions around the country are exploring strategies to improve the outcomes of encounters between law enforcement and people who have mental health needs.

“The Miami-Dade Police Department is fully vested in providing those with mental illness the highest levels of police services, to include referrals to professional resources.  I am excited about this partnership, which is essential in keeping our community and our officers safe through the services set in place by the Florida Department of Children and Families and Thriving Mind of South Florida,” said Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Thriving Mind and Miami-Dade Police have been collaborating since about 2018, said Carol Caraballo, Thriving Mind’s vice president for behavioral health.

“Our collaboration continues to grow with MDPD, and we are excited about this new designation,” Caraballo said.

Thriving Mind has a number of community partners, in addition to MDPD and other police agencies.

“Our partnerships with the community – including police agencies and schools – are critical to our success in support of vulnerable populations. We are grateful for our collaboration with MDPD and look forward to our future work together” said John W. Newcomer, M.D., president and CEO of Thriving Mind.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center, with support from a team of national experts and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, began the program in 2010 as a way to help public safety personnel from around the country implement effective responses to people with mental health needs. The program started with an initial group of 6 highly innovative agencies to serve as peer-to-peer learning sites. Since then, it has continued to expand and regularly deliver assistance and training to law enforcement and mental health practitioners nationwide.

The Miami-Dade County Police Department operates:

  • a co-responder unit
  • a threat management section that works with individuals who have been placed on psychiatric holds under the Baker Act.

In conjunction with Thriving Mind, they provide ongoing case management services to people who have come into contact with these specialty units.

The Data Access and Collaboration on Treatment Alternatives program (DACOTA) is a data collection program that collects information on treatment history, care coordination, violence risk, recidivism, mental health functioning, and referrals to treatment in order to improve the way the department responds to people in crisis.

For more information go here.

Photo about law enforcement collaboration
Make a Donation

Please enter a price

Please enter a description

Provider Calendar Form
If you have a flyer to go with event, please email a PDF version of your flyer to communications@thrivingmind.org
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Training Calendar Form
If you have a flyer to go with event, please email a PDF version of your flyer to communications@thrivingmind.org
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Job
General Resources
Thriving Mind
Translate
! Crisis Response
Make a DonationDonate
COA Accredited
COA Accredited

All Thriving Mind programs and services are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Learn More

What's New
Thriving Mind Trauma Recovery Efforts Cited in Report Detailing Historic Drop in Homicide in Miami-Dade
August 14, 2025
A report released Wednesday, August 13th, states Two Miami-Dade ZIP Codes Experienced Historic Drops in Homicide. That report cites three community partnerships, including Thriving Mind, that resulted in more safety in the region.
View Article
Senator Rouson Visits Thriving Mind-funded programs
August 12, 2025
Senator Darryl Rouson, a Democrat who represents the 16th District of Florida, visited South Florida recently to meet with Thriving Mind South Florida, some of its healthcare provider organizations and tour new programs funded by the Department of Children and Families and Thriving Mind.
View Article
Suicide Risk by Population
June 12, 2025
While anyone can experience suicide risk, some populations experience more negative social conditions and have higher rates of suicide or suicide attempts than the general U.S. population.
View Article
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
June 2, 2025
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
View Article
Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
May 14, 2025
Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
View Article
Important Links
  • Accessibility
  • Acute Care Bed Directory
  • Department Directory
  • File A Grievance
  • Careers
  • Leadership
  • Legal/Privacy
  • Procurement
  • Provider Listing
  • Contact Us
Follow Us on Instagram

thriving_mind_sf

A network of exceptional mental health and substance use treatment providers

Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether it is the result of the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship; feelings of sadness or grief in response to these situations is perfectly normal. Depression, however, is more than just sadness.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/get-help/mental-health
Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Specialist, and Karol Diaz, Housing Coordinator, attended the City of Miami Lakes Fall Festival.
Talking about suicide is the first step in prevent Talking about suicide is the first step in preventing it. By challenging misconceptions and stopping the stigma around mental health, we can have conversations that lead to recovery for those who are struggling.
Click here for resources: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and yea Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and year-round, as partners in prevention! Visit: www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/campaigns-events #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.go Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Studies have found that pet owners are less likely Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets and playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
Click here for resources: www.thrivingmind.org
11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 

On October 16, 2025, the South Florida Wellness Network, one of our valued providers, hosted its 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon at their Miami site. The event brought together community members, advocates, and professionals to honor the transformative work of peer support in behavioral health and recovery.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, food, and heartfelt connection, all set against a festive autumn-themed backdrop. Among the guests were Derek S. Moore, the Thriving Mind Peer Services Manager, whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration across peer-led initiatives in South Florida.

Also in attendance was The Honorable Donald "DJ" Cannava of the Domestic Violence Drug Court, accompanied by his dedicated staff. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of peer support within the judicial system and its role in fostering recovery and resilience among individuals navigating complex life challenges.

The luncheon served not only as a celebration but as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, compassion, and shared lived experience.
Take control of your mental health. Mental Health Take control of your mental health. Mental Health America offers a free online screen test.

Tome el control de su salud mental. Mental Health America ofrece una prueba de detección gratuita en línea.

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
From our friends @namimiami 💙✨ Updated Supp From our friends @namimiami 

💙✨ Updated Support Group Calendar at NAMI Miami-Dade

We’re excited to share our updated support group calendar, now available with all the latest information to help individuals and families navigate living with a mental health condition. Our peer-led groups, facilitated by individuals with lived experience, provide safe and welcoming spaces to share stories, build connections, and offer support.

Whether you’re looking for virtual, in-person, or specialized groups, we’ve got something for everyone. Our updated flyer makes it easy to find the group that best fits your needs! To register or discover more information, head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups.

We’re also proud to highlight Caregiver Connection, an in-person space for caregivers to meet one-on-one with a Family Mentor for support and guidance. This program meets every Monday from 12:00–2:00 pm at NAMI Miami-Dade, offering a safe, understanding environment to talk, reflect, and get advice on navigating the challenges of caregiving.

For more details, explore our updated flyer or head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups to find the group that best fits your needs. ✨💙
Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to e Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to effective, accountable and compassionate care for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We fund and oversee a safety net of services for uninsured individuals in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with support from the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, and other public and private sources.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Rescue, a hospital, along with other receiving facilities.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
Jackson Behavioral Hospital
Agape Network
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami – Behavioral Health Services at St. Lukes Center
New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
The Village South, Inc
New Hope CORPS, Inc.
Banyan Health Systems
Comprehensive Psychiatric Center 
Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center

Go here for more info: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/opioid-treatment-miami
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― at multiple levels. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Something to look out for when concerned that a pe Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. These signs are of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Pay attention and listen.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Do the youth in your community know that most of t Do the youth in your community know that most of their peers don’t use substances? Learn about social norms: www.hidta.org/adapt/prevention-intervention-resource-center #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Take these daily actions to care for your mental h Take these daily actions to care for your mental health, and with the 988 Florida Lifeline, get your health back on track.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, society. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth
Studies have found that taking a walk through natu Studies have found that taking a walk through nature produces measurable benefits for your mental health and may even reduce the risk of depression. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area showed decreased activity in the region of the brain associated with depression when compared to people who walked in a high-traffic urban setting.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Healing together is easier than fighting alone. S Healing together is easier than fighting alone. 
Sanar juntos es más fácil que luchar solos.

https://thrivingmind.org/csoc

https://www.myflfamilies.com/988

https://namimiami.org/
Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (s Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (shooting, stabbing, etc.)? Thriving Mind has a special program to help people recover from trauma?
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/trauma-recovery
Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStor Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStory during #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #PreventionMonth
Follow on Instagram
Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Follow Us On Twitter Connect On LinkedIn Watch Us On YouTube
© Copyright 2025.Thriving Mind | South Florida. All rights reserved.