What is CIT?
A community crisis response rooted in compassion.
Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) are a community partnership that includes members of law enforcement, mental health and substance use disorder professionals, people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorder, their families, and other people dedicated to improving the community responses to mental health crises.
In 1988, the city of Memphis launched the first Crisis Intervention Team as a result of community outcries following a fatal police encounter with someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Advocates worked with local leadership to design a response for mental health crisis calls, recognizing that respect and dignity are necessary components to recovery. Today, CIT programs operate across 47 states, being recognized nationally as an evidence-based model improved crisis response.
Rhode Island launched CIT programming in 2019.
CIT helps connect people in crisis to necessary treatment and resources.
CIT focuses on safety, de-escalation, and diversion strategies. When individuals with behavioral health needs have access to quality care and treatment, our communities thrive.
What Makes a CIT Responder?
A CIT-certified professional has completed specialized 40-hour training focused on recognizing, de-escalating, and responding to mental health and substance use-related crises.
CIT certification is voluntary. Individuals who choose CIT training are committed to supporting people in crisis and often possess
Strong communication skills
De-escalation skills
Problem-solving skills.
An ability to build rapport.
Ask us if your community has a Crisis Intervention Team
Having a CIT officer respond during a crisis can minimize the trauma experienced by both the person experiencing the crisis and first responders.
Reach out to learn more about how you can get involved.
CIT Program vs CIT Training: What’s the Difference?
A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is a community-wide partnership that brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, advocates, individuals with lived experience, families, and other stakeholders to improve responses to mental health crises.
A CIT training is one component of a CIT program. Completing CIT training does not mean an agency has implemented a CIT program. A successful CIT program also includes specialized policies, coordinated crisis-response practices, strong community partnerships, and ongoing collaboration with those most affected by the crisis response system.
To ensure effective coverage, CIT programs strive to have at least one CIT-certified officer available at all times, providing access to a trained officer on every shift.
Core Elements of a CIT Program
Community-Based: CIT brings partners together to improve crisis response and reduce reliance on law enforcement and jails as default responders.
Lived Experience and Family Involvement: Individuals living with mental illness and their families help shape policies and practices.
Collaborative Partnerships: Law enforcement, mental health providers, advocates, and community organizations share responsibility, resources, and decision-making.
System-Wide Approach: CIT examines and improves the entire crisis-response system, including policies, services, and community supports.
Goals of CIT
Improve safety during mental health crisis encounters for everyone involved.
Increase access to timely and effective mental health services.
Utilize law enforcement strategically in crisis situations while expanding the role of mental health professionals, peer specialists, and community supports.
Reduce trauma that people experience during a mental health crisis and contribute to their long-term recovery.
Every community starts somewhere. CIT programs can be developed gradually, regardless of existing resources. Building a stronger crisis-response system is an ongoing process, and CIT coordinators can provide guidance and support along the way.
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