2662 W Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI 48208
United States
P.O. Box 190179
Burton, MI 48519
United States
Crisis Intervention Team Training
Officers trained in CIT don't just respond to mental health calls, they transform outcomes. Less force. Fewer arrests. More lives connected to real care. Detroit Wayne County's CIT program is built on the Memphis Model, the gold standard for law enforcement crisis response.
Proven outcomes of CIT-trained departments:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Mental Health First Aid is an international education program proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Peer-reviewed studies have been conducted around the world and show that individuals trained in the program:
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety provides law officers and staff with more response options to help them de-escalate incidents and better understand mental illnesses so they can respond to mental health-related situations appropriately without compromising safety.
Learn more: Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety(opens in new tab)Email DWIHN to request a class
training@dwihn.orgMemphis Model
CIT is a community policing program that brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, and advocates to build a coordinated crisis response system. The Memphis Model, developed in 1988 and now used by departments across the country, focuses on de-escalation, officer safety, and connecting people in crisis to care instead of the criminal justice system.
DWIHN coordinates Wayne County's CIT program in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, training officers to be the first line of connection, not just intervention.
"CIT training changed the way I respond. I go in thinking about connection, not control. That shift has kept people out of jail, and kept me safer."
— CIT-certified officer, Detroit Police Department
"I was in crisis and the officer who responded just talked to me. He knew what to say. He got me help instead of handcuffs."
— Wayne County resident
Choose your path
All tracks are offered at no cost to Wayne County law enforcement agencies.
The foundational 40-hour Memphis Model curriculum. Designed for patrol officers who respond to calls involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Specialized curriculum for officers who frequently respond to calls involving children and adolescents. Includes child development, trauma-informed approaches, and school-based intervention.
For officers who have completed Basic CIT and want to deepen their skills, or supervisors building a CIT program within their agency. Includes train-the-trainer components.
What you will learn
The curriculum is built by mental health clinicians, people with lived experience, and law enforcement trainers working together. No generic content, it is specific to the communities, laws, and resources of Wayne County.
Understanding the landscape: diagnoses, treatment levels, Wayne County resources, DWIHN's role, and how to navigate the system effectively.
Evidence-based verbal de-escalation techniques, active listening, trauma-informed communication, and approach strategies for different presentations.
ASIST-aligned content covering warning signs, risk factors, safe messaging, how to talk directly about suicidal ideation, and when to transport.
Recognition of intoxication vs. mental health crisis, naloxone training, Narcan distribution, and connecting individuals to SUD services without arrest.
Communication strategies for individuals with IDD, autism, or traumatic brain injury, including how to distinguish disability-related behavior from crisis.
Live visits to DWIHN's Crisis Stabilization Units, role-play scenarios with mental health actors, and after-action debriefs with clinicians and peers.
From application to badge
Your department commander or CIT coordinator submits officer names through our registration form. Officers can also self-nominate with supervisor approval.
We confirm your spot in the next available session and send all pre-training materials. Sessions are capped at 30 participants to maintain quality.
Officers attend Monday–Friday at the DWIHN training facility in Detroit. Attendance at all 40 hours is required for certification. Meals are provided.
Graduates receive a certificate from DWIHN and their agency. Michigan Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) credits are available upon request.
Certified officers gain access to ongoing resources, case consultation, annual refreshers, and a peer network of CIT officers across Wayne County.
What we offer
Four programs for different roles and experience levels. The 40-hour block runs on open enrollment, select any session below to register. Other programs are invitation-only or scheduled on request.
Contact your CIT coordinator to request an invitation.
Need agency-specific scheduling for 15 or more officers? Contact us, we can arrange a dedicated session.
CIT Community
"Before CIT, I thought my job was to manage the situation. After training, I realized my job was to help the person. That is a completely different mindset, and it works."Sgt. Marcus W.Wayne County Sheriff's Office · CIT-certified 2021
"I used CIT skills on a call with a veteran in a mental health crisis. Instead of taking him to the ED or jail, we got him into a program that day. He called me six months later to say thank you. That does not happen without this training."Officer Danielle K.Dearborn Police Department · CIT-certified 2022
"The site visit to the crisis center changed everything. I saw how calm and effective the clinicians were. Now I know exactly where to take someone, and what to say when I get them there."Officer Terrence A.Detroit Police Department · CIT-certified 2023
Certified by CIT International
DWIHN has earned CIT International Gold Program Certification every year from 2021 through 2024, the highest recognition awarded to crisis intervention training programs that meet rigorous national standards for curriculum, fidelity, and community collaboration.
Learn about CIT International(opens in new tab)Apply now
Select the application that matches your role. Our CIT coordinator reviews every submission and follows up within 3 business days.
For patrol officers enrolling in Basic CIT, CIT for Youth, the 8-hour Refresher, or the Coordinator track. Select your track below, the form adapts to show only what we need from you.
This 2-day program is specifically designed for 911 dispatchers, police service aides, and emergency call-takers. Sessions are scheduled based on demand, submitting this form puts your agency on the scheduling list.
Train the Trainer
CIT instructors are experienced, certified CIT officers who train the next generation of responders. The Train the Trainer program is 3 days and operates on an invitation and application basis.
The full application includes a written self-assessment (30–45 minutes). We recommend reviewing the pre-application self-assessment below before applying.
A free, anonymous 5-minute self-assessment helps you reflect on your field experience, teaching skills, and readiness before applying for the Train the Trainer program.
Instructor readiness
There is no score and no right or wrong answer. Rate each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), then see a readiness summary at the end.
Train the Trainer
This application takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Please answer each question thoughtfully, your responses help us match you with the right cohort and ensure a high-quality training experience for officers.
The following Wayne County law enforcement agencies have officers who have completed DWIHN CIT training.
Certified officers across Wayne County stay connected through the DWIHN CIT Alumni Network, sharing case insights, peer consultation, and continued education opportunities.
Connect with the alumni network for ongoing support, consultation, and continuing education.
Join the Alumni NetworkCommon questions
Basic CIT and CIT for Youth are open to all sworn law enforcement officers, deputies, and detectives in Wayne County. Corrections officers, dispatchers, and probation officers may attend on a case-by-case basis, contact us to discuss. CIT Refresher training is limited to officers who have already completed Basic CIT.
No. DWIHN funds CIT training for Wayne County law enforcement agencies at no cost to the department or officer. Meals are provided during training. If your agency is outside Wayne County, contact us to discuss options, we occasionally open sessions to neighboring jurisdictions.
Yes. Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) continuing education credit is available for Basic CIT and CIT for Youth. Contact your agency training coordinator to verify credit eligibility before enrolling. DWIHN provides a certificate of completion and training documentation for MCOLES submission.
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour awareness course for the general public. CIT is a 40-hour law enforcement-specific program that goes significantly deeper, covering legal frameworks, diversion tools, de-escalation practice, site visits, and scenario-based training. CIT certification is recognized by law enforcement standards bodies. MHFA is not a substitute for CIT.
DWIHN supports agencies in building internal CIT programs. The CIT Coordinator track (part of the Refresher track) includes a train-the-trainer component. We also provide ongoing consultation, resource development, and policy guidance for agencies establishing a CIT unit. Contact our CIT coordinator to start a conversation.
DWIHN recommends a refresher every 2–3 years to stay current on de-escalation research, updated community resources, and legal developments. The annual CIT Symposium serves as a continuing education opportunity between formal renewals. There is no hard expiration on CIT certification unless your agency requires it internally.
No cost. No referral needed. Just officers ready to learn.
You're in the right place
Whether you're the one struggling or someone you love is in crisis, DWIHN's crisis team is available every hour of every day. You don't need insurance, a referral, or an appointment. You just need to reach out.
If you are struggling yourself: This is a safe place. Nothing you say will be used against you. Real people answer this line, no robots, no hold music.
If someone you love is in crisis: You don't have to figure this out alone. We'll tell you exactly what to do, step by step. You calling is already the right move.
24-Hour Crisis & Support Line
1-800-241-4949Free · Confidential · Wayne County
Call ACCESS to reach crisis counselors, schedule services, or request a mobile team. A telephonic screen may be utilized to connect you to the right level of care.
Your options
A trained counselor answers, usually within 2 minutes. They will listen, assess what is happening, and guide you to the right support. You can stay anonymous.
Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) are open around the clock. Walk in without an appointment and receive immediate support, calmer and more therapeutic than an ED, with up to 72 hours of care.
Trained clinicians come to you, your home, school, or wherever you are, to de-escalate, assess, and connect to care. No police involvement unless there is an immediate safety threat.
How the system works
Depending on the level of urgency, there is a clear path to the right level of care, with DWIHN coordinating every step.
The people behind the line
DWIHN's crisis team is not a call center. Every person who answers is specifically trained in the DWIHN Crisis Continuum, a structured approach to helping people through behavioral health crises safely and with dignity.
Whether you call at 2pm or 2am, the same standard of care applies. The team includes:
Walk-in alternatives to the ED
CSUs are open 24/7. Walk in without an appointment. Adults and children both welcome. No wait in a chaotic ED waiting room.
Crisis Stabilization Units are purpose-built for behavioral health crises. They are calm, structured environments, not chaotic emergency departments. You will receive care from trained staff in a space designed around recovery, not triage.
Stay as long as needed to stabilize. Meals, rest, and continuous care included.
Clinicians and peer support coaches work with you, or your loved one, to get through the acute crisis phase safely.
You leave with more than just discharge papers, a safety plan, follow-up appointments, and connections to ongoing care.
Serves both adults and children. Walk-in welcome. DWIHN headquarters building.
No surprises
Knowing what to expect removes fear. Here is exactly how each type of contact works, step by step.
No automated menus. No hold music. A trained crisis counselor picks up, typically within 1–2 minutes. They will greet you calmly and let you talk.
They may ask your first name (completely optional), what is happening, and roughly where you are if you want someone dispatched. Nothing you say is recorded for legal purposes or used against you.
A telephonic screen may be utilized to assess your needs and connect you to the right level of care.
They might stay on the phone with you, send a mobile team, refer you to a CSU, or connect you to ongoing services, based entirely on what you need right now.
You can end the call any time. You do not have to accept any service they offer. The goal is to give you information and support, not to pressure you.
You will be greeted at reception. You can say as little as "I need help." That is enough. You do not need an ID, insurance card, or appointment.
You will speak with a licensed clinician who will assess what is happening and what level of support is right, in a private, calm room.
If needed, you can stay in the CSU through the acute phase of the crisis. Meals are provided. Staff are available continuously. It is a place to breathe and stabilize.
When you leave, you will have a written safety plan, follow-up appointment times, and connections to the ongoing services you need.
The DWIHN Care Center is a calm, structured environment, not a hospital ward. Here is what the experience is actually like:
The mobile team consists of a licensed mental health clinician and a peer support specialist who has lived experience with crisis. They arrive in an unmarked vehicle to minimize stigma or fear.
They will speak with the person in crisis privately if appropriate, assess safety, and work to bring the situation to a calmer state. Family members are included in the conversation.
Transport to a CSU if needed, a safety plan, a same-day appointment, or a follow-up call. They do not just de-escalate and leave, they stay until there is a clear path forward.
The mobile team can only deploy if there are no immediate safety concerns (such as weapons). If there are active threats, call 911 first, you can then contact DWIHN to have a clinician coordinate alongside law enforcement.
If a DWIHN member arrives at an emergency department in behavioral health crisis, ED staff will call the DWIHN Pre-Admission Review (PAR) Dispatch team at (313) 696-0905.
A trained behavioral health clinician will come to the ED to conduct a comprehensive crisis assessment, separate from the ED's medical evaluation.
Based on the assessment, the DWIHN clinician will coordinate the right next step, whether that is a CSU, inpatient admission, or outpatient services.
You do not need to arrange this yourself. ED staff are trained to initiate DWIHN contact. If you are a family member at the ED, you can ask the staff to call DWIHN's PAR Dispatch: (313) 696-0905.
For the people who love them
Watching someone you love struggle with a behavioral health crisis is one of the hardest things a person can do. You are probably exhausted, scared, and second-guessing yourself.
Please hear this: you are not the cause of this. You cannot fix it by loving harder. But you can help them access the support that does work, and you deserve support too.
"I didn't know what to say when my daughter was in crisis. I called DWIHN and the counselor spent 20 minutes coaching me on exactly what to do. I didn't feel alone in it anymore."— Mother of a DWIHN member, Detroit
"My brother had been struggling for years. I kept thinking if I just said the right thing he'd get better. The peer coach at DWIHN helped me understand that wasn't how it worked, and that I needed support too."— Family member, Westland
VP of Crisis Services
Grace and her team believe that crisis is not a failure — it is a moment that demands a compassionate, skilled response. Every call, every walk-in, every mobile outreach is an opportunity to meet someone exactly where they are and open a door to recovery.
No one should have to face a crisis alone. Our job is to make sure they never have to.
Guides & Directories
Download these guides for yourself, for a family member, or to share with someone who might need them.
Common questions
This is the most common thing families ask. You cannot force an adult to accept help, but you can remove barriers, stay present, and keep the door open. Call our crisis line and ask about the ARISE intervention model: a family-led approach that brings people into treatment voluntarily about 80% of the time.
No. Calling DWIHN's crisis line (1-800-241-4949) or the mobile crisis team (1-844-462-7474) dispatches mental health clinicians, not law enforcement. Police are only involved if you request it or if there is an immediate safety threat.
No. Crisis services are free to all Wayne County residents regardless of insurance status. DWIHN manages publicly funded behavioral health care, meaning Medicaid recipients, uninsured people, and underinsured individuals are all served. You will never be turned away at a CSU for inability to pay.
A Crisis Stabilization Unit is a voluntary, short-term (up to 72 hours), non-hospital facility designed specifically for behavioral health crises. It is calmer and less clinical than an inpatient psychiatric ward. You are not "admitted" in the medical sense, you can leave voluntarily.
DWIHN has specialized crisis services for children and adolescents. The DWIHN Care Center at 707 W. Milwaukee accepts walk-ins for both adults and children. Crisis line staff are trained in youth crisis response. Child Crisis Services Directories are available to download in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be in an active crisis to call. If you are having thoughts of suicide, even passive thoughts, that is exactly what this line is for. You do not have to be at a breaking point. Earlier is always better. The counselors will not overreact, and calling will not automatically result in police or hospitalization.
Crisis services are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Child crisis service directories are available to download in all three languages. TDD/TTY users can dial 711. If you need a different language, tell the counselor who answers, DWIHN works with interpretation services to accommodate additional languages.
Free · Confidential · Wayne County · Every hour of every day
