Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Via Mail
Henrico County’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was established in 2008, and is a community partnership between first responders, mental health and substance abuse systems, mental health advocacy groups and consumers of mental health services. Selected responders from the Henrico County Police and Fire Divisions, Henrico County Sheriff’s Office and Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services work with consumers and family members to facilitate effective assistance for persons experiencing a mental health crisis. Connection with community resources is offered, whenever possible, thus avoiding unnecessary incarcerations or hospitalizations.
Links
How to Receive this Service
In a mental health emergency call 9-1-1.
For non-emergencies, contact the Crisis Intervention Team by email: [email protected].
CIT is a community effort bringing together first responders and area stakeholders for the common goals of safety, understanding, and caring for the needs of the mentally ill and their families. Consumers, their families, advocates, and other stakeholders play a significant role in all aspects of Henrico County’s successful CIT program. Key stakeholders include the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Central Virginia Chapter (NAMI-CVA), Virginia Organization of Consumers Asserting Leadership (VOCAL), Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA), the University of Richmond Police Department, Henrico Doctor’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, and other area organizations.
CIT is an international initiative to assist those in a psychiatric crisis. CIT was developed in Memphis in 1988 and has been adopted by over 70% of the localities in Virginia. The Virginia Crisis Intervention Team Coalition (VACIT) offers support and guidance to CIT programs in the Commonwealth.
The bottom line: CIT is a mindset of treating people with respect and dignity.
