Friday, Sep 19, 2025 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

Individuals experiencing behavioral health crises often require specialized responses that prioritize de-escalation, empathy, and connection to appropriate care rather than immediate reliance on traditional law enforcement tactics. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training addresses this critical need by equipping law enforcement officers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to safely and effectively engage with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

This presentation highlights the benefits and essential elements of comprehensive CIT training. The presentation will explore how CIT fosters a better understanding of mental health conditions, improves de-escalation skills, reduces stigmatizing attitudes, and promotes diversion from the criminal justice system to community-based behavioral health services. Furthermore, the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration will be examined. This includes partnerships between law enforcement, mental health professionals, individuals with lived experience, and their families, in designing, implementing, and sustaining effective CIT programs.

Objectives

  • Explain what CIT is
  • Discuss the goals of CIT
  • Talk about who and why they should attend
  • Examine key stakeholders and steering committee
  • Give input and advice on how to start and strengthen CIT

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Psychologist (APA)

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

Click to Join Meeting

Upcoming Training Sessions