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CIT Certification
The Central MA CIT-TTAC, operated by Open Sky Community Services in conjunction with the Worcester Police Department and Department of Mental Health, supports communities by ensuring that first responders are well-trained and compassionate when engaging with individuals with behavioral health difficulties.
The Center provides a host of core CIT and other specialty training.
CIT 40-hour Training - 1 week:
The CIT program includes a 40-hour training course with five key themes:
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Understanding behavioral health
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Developing empathy
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Navigating community resources
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De-escalation skills
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Practical application
The curriculum covers topics such as:
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Suicide prevention
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Mental illness
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Intellectual/developmental disabilities
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Runaway assistance
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Substance use disorders
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Homelessness
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Officer self-care
The program also supports the police departments in Central Massachusetts in establishing their crisis intervention team, comprised of trained officers in collaboration with behavioral health professionals & specialists in their communities.
Officers and first responders who complete the program gain insight into behavioral health crises and into the system that provides services to individuals with behavioral health disorders.
The training allows officers to resolve crises more efficiently and effectively.
CIT Recertification Training - 8 hours
After completion of the 40-hour CIT training, previously trained members of law enforcement will need to attend an 8-hour CIT Refresher training to remain certified. This recertification is completed every three years.
The CIT refresher course builds on the core areas of the 40-hour training including:
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Understanding behavioral health
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Developing empathy
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Navigating community resources
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De-escalation skills
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Practical application
CIT Dispatcher Training - 8 hours
Emergency 911 Dispatch Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is an 8-hour course designed to provide additional mental health training to dispatch personnel from behavioral health and law enforcement agencies. It focuses on a "real world" implementation of mental health training within the CIT model, building upon attendees' knowledge.
The Dispatcher training provides dispatchers with de-escalation techniques and scenario-based training to better diffuse situations before officers arrive on the scene.
The course examines dispatchers' vital role in successfully implementing CIT responses to situations involving individuals with behavioral health disorders.
The course includes:
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An overview of the CIT model
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Case examples of behavioral health crises
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De-escalation techniques
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Presenters with lived experience.
Mental Health First Aid - 8 hours
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
This 8-hour training provides participants with the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or have a substance use disorder and help connect them to the appropriate care.
The curriculum focuses on the unique experiences and needs of public safety personnel. It is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their coworkers' and families' lives, and the communities they serve.
Central MA CIT-TTAC also provides additional specialty training, including:
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Psychological First Aid with Sarah Gaer
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Toxic Stress
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Situational Awareness
Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion Programs (DMH-JDP) Learning Management System (LMS)
In July 2024, The Center launched the Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion Programs (DMH-JDP) Learning Management System (LMS). This initiative, aligned with the provisions of Mass. General Laws c.19 § 25 (2018), is designed to ensure easy access to the Center’s recommended trainings, along with other valuable educational resources.