CART

We recognize police are also often called to respond to mental health crises and that mental health is not their specialty. NAMI estimates roughly 20 percent of 911 calls pertain to mental health. 

In Apex, we are seeing our call volume increase 3-5% overall each year. A co-response model is to integrate police officers and mental health professionals to help deviate individuals with behavioral health challenges from the judicial system to mental health facilities in the community. 

Our goals are to destigmatize mental health while breaking down barriers and building connections to resources for Apex community members.  

Who is CART & What is their vision?

  • Crisis and Advocacy Response Team: 
    • Co-Responder Crisis Counselor & Co-Responder Officer
  • Vision Statement of the Crisis and Advocacy Response Team (CART):  
    • We inspire positive change in Apex community by providing stability through our consistent efforts while destigmatizing mental health, breaking down barriers, building resources, and encouraging diversity and inclusion.  
  • The Core Values of the Crisis and Advocacy Response Team (CART): 
    • Compassion, Authenticity, Respect, Empowerment, and Support (CARES)

Who does CART assist?

  • Mental health illnesses or someone in crisis 
  • Substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders
  • Someone who is at risk of hurting themselves or others

How does CART get involved?

  • When officers respond to a call and encounter a community member in need of mental health or substance misuse services, a referral will be submitted to CART. The team will then provide support and assist in connecting the individual with relevant resources.
  • A community member in need of mental health or substance misuse service can call the non-emergency number for a referral or walk into the Apex Police Department (205 Saunders St) and request to speak with the Crisis Counselor or a CART member.
  • When CART responds to the scene and the community member is open to being linked to resources, the case management process will begin. 

How can I request help from CART?

Meet the Team


Khea Morton

Hi I’m Khea  

With a bachelor's and master's in social work, I'm deeply passionate about mental health advocacy, policy reform, harm reduction, and creating equitable access to resources. My work centers on dismantling systemic barriers to reduce incarceration and recidivism, while enhancing support for community members. 

Currently, I focus on alleviating patrol call times and reducing call volume for law enforcement by addressing mental health and substance use concerns within the community. Through emotional validation and implementing non-aggressive, compassionate approaches to crisis interventions, I strive to ensure individuals in distress receive the appropriate care and support. 

My ultimate goal is to empower people to reclaim their light, find hope in their darkest moments, and never lose it again, while advocating for policy changes that promote second chances, mental health support, and long-term stability. 

Johnathan Spitzer

Hi I’m Officer Spitzer  

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marist College and bring a strong foundation of experience and specialized training to this role with the Apex Police Department, where I have served as a sworn officer for approximately eight years. My commitment to supporting individuals in crisis is reflected in my involvement with the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and the Crisis Advocacy Response Team (C.A.R.T.). I have completed a number of advanced training programs, including Basic & Advanced Crisis Intervention (CIT), Basic Crisis Negotiation, and Advanced Psychology for Cops, equipping me with critical skills for managing high-stress and sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. 

Before joining the Apex Police Department, I worked with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, where I served in the County Jail’s Mental Health Building. This early exposure to mental health-related law enforcement work shaped my passion for crisis response and intervention. Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to fostering safer outcomes for individuals experiencing behavioral or emotional crises, playing a key role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental health advocacy.