The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program is a vital community initiative designed to enhance signs and symptoms of the most prevalent diagnosis seen in the community, de-escalation techniques, resources, and first responder wellness. Through comprehensive education and training, such as our Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT), the program equips officers and first responders with effective communication techniques, de-escalation strategies, and the necessary skills to support individuals in behavioral health crises.
For more information on CIT, please call 951-358-4544 or email [email protected].
Our Mission
At the heart of the CIT program is our commitment to creating a standard of excellence in how law enforcement and first responders manage situations involving mental illness. We strive to foster a compassionate approach that prioritizes safety for all—responding personnel, individuals in crisis, and the broader community.
Join us in our mission to improve community safety and well-being through effective mental health intervention and support. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
CIT Focus
INCREASING AWARENESS
Educating first responders about mental illnesses and substance use disorders to enhance their understanding and empathy.
STRENGTHENING SKILLS
Providing first responders with advanced de-escalation techniques tailored for mental health crises.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Facilitating collaboration between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community resources.
Training Topics
Overview of mental illness diagnoses:
Major depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorder
Overview of substance abuse disorder
Suicide prevention & suicide by cop
Treatment & psychotropic medicine
W&I Code, 5150 legal process
Verbal Judo & de-escalation skills
Mental Health Awareness Training
The Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) is offered by RUHS - Behavioral Health's Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program. This free, in-person training is designed specifically for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters. Our program equips you with essential skills to effectively manage mental health and behavioral crises. You will learn about various mental health diagnoses, de-escalation techniques, and resources available in the community. MHAT aims to improve interactions between first responders and individuals in crisis, enhancing safety and fostering a greater understanding of mental health issues. By participating, you'll play a crucial role in connecting individuals to needed support and reducing future encounters with the legal system.
CIT Training Offerings
Crisis Intervention Training
Correctional Crisis Intervention Training
Basic Correctional Academy
Probation Academy
Mental Health Awareness Training
Chaplain Academy
Tribal Public Safety Officer CIT
RSO Classified Orientation
Dispatch CIT
Correctional Mental Health Mandated Trainings
Adult Corrections Officer Supplemental Core Course (Deputy Supplemental)
CIT Resources
Community & National
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Provides education, support, advocacy to consumers and loved ones
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: (800) 273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health
Phone: (800) 499-3008
Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health Guide to Services
Inland SoCal Crisis & Suicide Helpline
24/7 Crisis and suicide prevention hotline
Phone: 951-686-HELP (4357)
Mobile Crisis Response Team
Field based teams of Clinical Therapists, Behavioral Health Specialists, Peer Support Specialist, Law Enforcement & Emergency Department Personnel
Phone: 951-686-HELP (4357) for general community members
CARES Line
Provides community access, referrals, evaluations, and support
Phone: (800) 499-3008
Riverside University Health System Medical Center Emergency Treatment Services (ETS)
9990 County Farm Road, Ste. 4
Riverside, CA 92503
RUHS-BH LPS 5150 Certification & Oversight
Phone: (951) 358-4544
Email: [email protected]
Provides 5150 training coordination, 5150 authorization, oversight of involuntary holds written including feedback for quality improvement, guidance and technical assistance relating to 5150 involuntary hospitalizations.
First Responder Wellness
Counseling Team International
Provides 24/7/365 employee support to all first responders via counseling, training, crisis support, critical debriefs
Phone: (800) 222-9691
Crisis Text Line
Text "BLUE" to 741741
This will identify you as a first responder and let you communicate via text message with a trained crisis counselor from anywhere in the United States 24/7.
First Responder Wellness
Provides first responders and their families tools to reduce personal and family stress, encourage appropriate career decisions and reduce the effects of traumatic incident stress on an individual's life.
Shift Wellness
Offers wellness and resilience retreats for first responders and public safety
CORDICO Wellness App
Virgin Pulse App
Riverside Sheriff's Association offers free simple to use wellbeing program, earn rewards up to $200 in Pulse Cash per year by getting active and making healthier choices
Recommended Books
- "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement" - Kevin Gilmartin, Ph.D
https://emotionalsurvival.com/author.htm - "The Body Keeps the Score" - Bessel A van der Kolk
https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
For a more fully exhaustive list: https://www.1strc.org/recommended-readings
Riverside County Sheriff Wellness & Support Unit
Promoting on call 24/7 support for mental, physical, and emotional
Email: [email protected]