SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, we speak with Fiona Purcell, a licensed counselor embedded with the Plymouth Township Police Department through The Lincoln Center’s co-responder partnership. Fiona shares what it’s like to navigate the intersection of mental health and public safety—working side by side with officers to respond to crises, support residents, and build stronger community trust.
From connecting unhoused and elderly residents with critical services to helping individuals access addiction treatment, Fiona’s work demonstrates how collaboration can transform outcomes for both citizens and first responders. She also discusses how trust is built over time with officers, how compassion and humor play a role in her daily work, and why co-responder programs are reshaping the future of community policing.
GUEST BIO:
Fiona Purcell, MS, is a licensed mental health professional with The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, serving as the co-responding counselor with the Plymouth Township Police Department. With a background in trauma-informed care and first responder wellness, Fiona provides on-the-ground mental health support for individuals in crisis while strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and social services. Her previous experience includes clinical work with the First Responder Addiction Treatment (FRAT) Program at Livengrin Foundation, where she led individual and group therapy for police, firefighters, and EMS professionals.
SPONSORS:
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.
