Special to the Record
The Chelsea Police Department recently congratulated its Co-Response Clinician Peter Lopez on officially earning his Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) certification through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Lopez graduated from Boston College with his Master’s in Social Work in 2022 and has been serving the Chelsea community ever since. In 2024, he joined the Chelsea Police Department as part of the Co-Response Program, operating through the partnership with North Suffolk Community Services. Through this collaboration, clinicians work alongside officers to respond to calls involving mental health crises, help connect residents with resources, and ensure individuals receive the support and services they need.
“Programs like our Co-Response partnership show how modern policing and community care can work together,” Police Chief Keith Houghton said. “Having clinicians like Peter alongside our officers allows us to respond to complex situations with the right balance of compassion, resources, and public safety. Peter has already made a positive impact through his work with our officers, our youth, and the Chelsea community. Earning his LICSW is a significant professional milestone, and we are proud to have him as part of this partnership serving Chelsea.”
Beyond responding to calls for service, Lopez has become an active part of community engagement efforts. He has participated by playing in the charity basketball game against the Chelsea Fire Department and recently served as a presenter during our February “Build the Base” Youth Camp, helping mentor and support Chelsea’s young people.
Achieving the LICSW designation represents years of education, supervision, and dedication to the field of social work. Houghton said the department is proud to have Lopez as part of its team and grateful for the compassion, professionalism, and energy he brings to the City of Chelsea every day.