Arresting the Illness Versus the Person: Dr. Lisa Evans

On the 11th episode of Wonks at Work, we’re talking about a new safe and secure alternative for those who encounter law enforcement officials during an acute mental crisis. Crisis stabilization units, or CSUs, are short-term, residential medical facilities that provide immediate care for those experiencing mental health crises who might otherwise be jailed or treated at an emergency room. Dr. Lisa Evans, a psychologist and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Pulaski County CSU program director, talks to host Craig Wilson about the importance of crisis intervention, the need for more CSUs around the state, and what has surprised her the most about the receptivity of law enforcement, patients and the community to CSUs.