About Us
The Lake County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a community-based program designed to improve responses to mental health and substance misuse crises. CIT brings together law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, individuals with lived experience, advocates, and community members to create a safer and more effective crisis response system.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote community collaboration using the CIT program to assist people living with mental illness and/or addiction who are in crisis. We aim to:
- > Improve safety during law enforcement encounters.
- > Increase connections to effective and timely behavioral health services.
- > Reduce trauma experienced during mental health and substance misuse crises.
- > Use law enforcement strategically while increasing the role of behavioral health professionals and community supports.
What is CIT?
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs are built on partnerships among law enforcement, behavioral health agencies, individuals with lived experience, and advocacy organizations. CIT is not just a training program, it is a community-wide effort to improve the crisis response system. Key components include:
- > Specialized training for law enforcement officers.
- > Improved policies and procedures for crisis events.
- > Enhanced communication and collaboration among community partners.
- > Advocacy for better mental health services.
How CIT Helps
For Law Enforcement: Provides officers with tools to safely de-escalate crises and connect individuals to services, reducing repeat calls and time spent in emergency departments.
For Behavioral Health Agencies: Strengthens partnerships with law enforcement and advocates to improve service delivery and address gaps in the crisis response system.
For Individuals and Families: Reduces trauma during crises, connects individuals to recovery services, and promotes community awareness about mental health.
Get Involved
We welcome community members, behavioral health professionals, law enforcement officers, and advocates to join us in building a stronger crisis response system. Whether you want to volunteer, attend training, or support our efforts, there’s a place for you in the Lake County CIT program.