RiverValley Behavioral Health, in collaboration with local and state law enforcement, is providing annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training this week. CIT training is designed to improve the outcomes of encounters between law enforcement and individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or coping with mental health or substance use disorders.
According to RVBH, approximately 10% of encounters with law enforcement in the U.S. involve individuals with mental health disorders. Programs like CIT reduce arrests of individuals with mental illness while simultaneously increasing the likelihood that those individuals will receive mental health services in the future.
“Having a mental illness isn’t a crime, but during those times when law enforcement becomes involved, officers are too often expected to have the skills of a trained clinician,” said Marsha Lowery, Senior Director of Clinical Services & Training. “Through CIT, a team of law enforcement and mental health professionals provide instruction that ensures officers have an understanding of mental health challenges. They learn what mental illness looks like and develop the skills necessary to respond in the most appropriate and effective ways possible.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, CIT training gives law enforcement additional tools to do their jobs effectively and safely and is associated with improved officer attitude and knowledge surrounding mental health disorders.
Studies also show that CIT has helped reduce the time officers spend responding to calls related to mental health concerns, which not only enable law enforcement to spend more time responding to other calls, but also produces cost savings within that community.
“RiverValley Behavioral Health is excited to continuously collaborate with local and state law enforcement to provide this needed training in our community,” said Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, RVBH President & CEO. “Crisis Intervention Team training is an important way for RVBH to coordinate with first responders to ensure those in our community who are coping with mental health crises and disorders have access to the care they need.”
CIT curriculum is submitted to and approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council.
RiverValley Behavioral Health is the Commonwealth’s designated regional behavioral healthcare provider in Western Kentucky. They currently host more than 30 programs that include inpatient and outpatient services for families impacted by mental health, developmental disabilities, alcohol and substance use disorders. To learn more about their services, call 270-689-6879.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, a crisis line is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
