Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training fosters a collaborative partnership among law enforcement/first responders, mental health providers, and individuals and families affected by mental health or substance use disorders, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). CIT aims to divert individuals from the criminal justice system by identifying alternatives and connecting them to appropriate care.
Designed to enhance safety, CIT helps to de-escalate crisis situations, guide individuals to the right behavioral health services, strengthen community relationships, and reduce arrests.
Based on the “Memphis Model,” developed in 1988, CIT has become a widely recognized best practice, with resources available through CIT International.
Spotlight Carolina Highlights Vaya Health’s CIT Training Program
CIT Training with Vaya Health
CIT trainings are led by experienced Vaya CIT coordinators, first responders, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) representatives, and provider organizations and/or family members with lived experience. During the sessions, behavioral health, I/DD, and TBI professionals share their expertise and engage with first responders.
CIT training is tailored to meet community needs. The full course is 40 hours, and refresher courses are available and individualized to meet the needs of each agency. Community colleges offer continuing education hours for completion of CIT training.
More than 1,800 first responders—including law enforcement, EMS personnel, firefighters, telecommunicators, and detention officers—have completed CIT training with Vaya.
The Co-Responder Model
Co-responder models are growing in popularity nationwide, and Vaya supports the use of this model in our region. This approach pairs first responders with behavioral health professionals to help people who are experiencing a crisis.
This model aims to offer a more compassionate, effective response by ensuring trained professionals are available to de-escalate situations and connect individuals to services.
The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)
The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) was designed to help communities respond to people with mental health and substance use disorders involved in the criminal justice system. A SIM mapping is a collaborative, facilitated session that enables community stakeholders to visualize pathways from the community to the criminal justice system, and back, across six key intercept points.
This mapping process helps communities identify available resources, recognize gaps in services, and uncover new opportunities at each intercept point. From there, customized strategic plans to strengthen support and treatment options are developed, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.
If your community is interested in participating in a SIM mapping session, email CIT@vayahealth.com. You can also complete the Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Workshop Request Form.
“CIT helps our officers meet the needs of community members experiencing a crisis, which is often different than a traditional criminal matter.”
Brent Phelps,
Chief, Lenoir Police Department
Our employees are now better equipped with the knowledge they need to provide a higher level of care for behavioral health patients.
William Kehler
EMS Director, McDowell County
“CIT has been instrumental in our knowledge and skills related to the growing mental health and substance use epidemic in our community.”
Joseph Vindigni
Chief, Hendersonville Fire Department
Download CIT Program Materials
Select a link below to download materials for your CIT training.
