The mental health champion for Northern Ireland, Prof Siobhan O’Neill, said she believes that the policy is an important step forward.
“This is something that needs to happen. The police were attending calls where there really wasn’t a policing issue,” she said.
“I think the systems are working together really well to make sure that anyone who is in crisis and is in need will receive a response.”
Funding issues remain a concern for O’Neill, who has previously called for a regional crisis intervention service for Northern Ireland.
“I’m disappointed that there hasn’t been the investment in the health services and mental health services to ensure that there’s a backfill, alternative service,” she added.
The PSNI told BBC News NI it currently responds to approximately 30,000 mental health calls each year, with a “significant proportion” of these calls coming from health workers.
“The approach is about ensuring that individuals receive care from the most appropriate professional or service.
“This will help reduce avoidable delays, improve consistency in decision-making, and support safe and lawful practice across Northern Ireland.”