Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training: Thank You

When my son, Ben, was in the first stages of recurring psychosis from schizophrenia, we were waiting for him to get "sick enough" to finally earn a bed in a psychiatric unit (don't get me started on this). During that period, we had many encounters with our local police officers while Ben, and the rest of the family, were in crisis.

I am so happy that these officers were trained in mental health crisis intervention. I am thankful for their kindness and empathy toward Ben, Ali and me which made our traumatic situation more bearable. Even more importantly, their CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) made it possible to avoid the trauma-upon-trauma pile-up of emotions that could have escalated the crisis instead.

Lucky for us, we did not have to experience needless "super-escalation." Our town's officers were either CIT-trained, or listened to the feedback and tips of those on the force who were.

Positive Effects of Mental Health CIT

Crisis Intervention Training not only saves lives, it also helps those experiencing the crisis internally. And it soothes their mothers - that, I can tell you first-hand.

I have just returned from the CIT International Conference, where I met so many who are passionate about their crisis and mental health work. Though I came there to teach about the family view, I learned so much more than I offered.

Who was there? Police officers, mental health workers, detectives, police chiefs, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, corrections officers, security guards, consumers, and family members like David Kaczynski, who spoke about his sibling experience as "brother of the unabomber" - though that relationship had so much more to it. David's love for his brother was clear, as was his agony over his brothers' illness: schizophrenia.

Our Experience with Crisis Intervention Training

In 2003, my son Ben was hospitalized five times - and before that, there had been several crises that I had hoped would have that result, so we could finally get help. Yeah, I know - wishing your child is "sick enough to be hospitalized"? If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about.

One of those crises ended with Ben's being led to an ambulance - in handcuffs. This happened just as his little sister drove up from a high school rehearsal. Not a pretty sight. I was in shock. Ben was confused but thankfully cooperative, as the police officer had treated him like the human being he is. He saw, thanks to his mental health CIT training, the person underneath the symptoms - and the love behind my own shock.

This officer was always polite and calm with Ben, looked him in the eyes, even joked with him - all the while being clear that a trip to the hospital "to help you" was imminent. He took the time to explain the need for handcuffs to me - even to apologize. Because of this extra moment, I was reassured that the handcuffs were only necessary as a way to get the ever-necessary 72-hour-hold for Ben - and assured that there was no criminal charge involved.

We are lucky that Ben has never - knock wood - been arrested for crisis behaviors that, if misunderstood, might have resulted in a criminal record.

To those who have taken the time to learn and choose Crisis Intervention Techniques over "Power" actions that are also an option, I thank you. Your kindness and willingness to empathize has made all the difference for this family.

Here's a radio news story on CIT in Connecticut (my home state) from NPR affiliate WSHU.