BioTel Social Work Program

Connecting people to the right care

Many people in North Texas face barriers to behavioral health and social support services. When help is not available when it is needed, people may rely on 911 or emergency departments for support. This can lead to gaps in care and poor health outcomes.

Since 2015, the BioTel Social Work Program has brought licensed social workers into the field alongside EMS teams. Social workers and paramedics work together to respond to behavioral health crises and other complex needs.

Today, the program serves 12 Dallas County municipalities, helping connect people with the care, resources and support they need.

Learn more about BioTel EMS Systems

How BioTel Helps

The BioTel Social Work Program partners with EMS, public safety agencies, cities and health care organizations to provide support in the community.

Our teams help address needs that can affect a person's health, including:

• Behavioral health
• Housing
• Food access
• Transportation
• Other social needs

By connecting people with the right resources, the program helps improve access to care, reduce unnecessary emergency service use and support healthier communities.

Multidisciplinary Response Teams

Our teams bring together social workers, paramedics and community partners to provide support where it is needed most.

Southeast Alliance Community Care Team

Serving: Mesquite, Balch Springs, Seagoville and Sunnyvale

A licensed social worker and paramedic respond together to 911 calls involving behavioral health concerns and other social needs.

DeSoto Care Team

Serving: DeSoto

A licensed social worker and paramedic respond to behavioral health 911 calls and referrals involving social needs. The team helps connect residents with appropriate care and community resources.

Lancaster Mobile Assessment Response Team

Serving: Lancaster

The team responds to referrals for behavioral health needs and provides behavioral health support and intensive case management. A licensed social worker and paramedic work together to connect residents with care and resources.

BioTel EMS Social Work

Serving: Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Highland Park, Hutchins, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite and University Park

The team provides complex case management for people who frequently use EMS for needs that may not require emergency medical care. Social workers help connect individuals with services and resources that better meet their needs.

Program Highlights

EMS+ Social Work

Paramedics and licensed social workers respond together to behavioral health and social crises.

Helping Reduce Unnecessary Emergency Care

Teams connect people with services that may better meet their needs.

Community Referral Network

Referrals can come from EMS, police, city departments, schools and community members.

Expanding Across North Texas

The program continues to expand its reach across Dallas County communities.

National Recognition

The program received the Gage Award for Excellence in 2022.