Training Opportunities
CIT training programs and professional development for first responders and mental health professionals across Arizona
CIT Training in Arizona
ACITA supports and promotes Crisis Intervention Team training throughout Arizona. The cornerstone of CIT is the 40-hour training program, which equips law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to mental health crises. Training is offered through local CIT programs in partnership with law enforcement agencies, mental health centers, and ACITA.
The 40-Hour CIT Training
The standard CIT training is an intensive 40-hour curriculum typically delivered over one week. It covers mental health conditions and symptoms, de-escalation and crisis communication techniques, suicide intervention, substance use and co-occurring disorders, local mental health resources and referral pathways, legal considerations including emergency mental health holds, and first-person perspectives from individuals and families with lived experience of mental illness. Completion of the 40-hour training is the foundation for CIT certification in Arizona.
Who Should Attend
Law Enforcement Officers
Patrol officers, detectives, and supervisors who respond to mental health crisis calls. CIT training is especially valuable for officers in high-volume jurisdictions.
Firefighters & EMS
Fire and EMS personnel frequently encounter individuals in mental health crisis. CIT training helps them respond safely and connect people to appropriate care.
Dispatchers & Telecommunicators
Dispatchers play a critical role in CIT — identifying mental health calls, deploying trained officers, and gathering information that helps first responders prepare.
Mental Health Professionals
Clinicians, case managers, and crisis workers who partner with law enforcement benefit from understanding the CIT model and how to collaborate effectively with first responders.
Upcoming Training Sessions
Training schedules are coordinated through local CIT programs and partner agencies across Arizona. Contact ACITA to find out about upcoming 40-hour trainings in your region, or to inquire about hosting a training at your agency.
Contact us to learn moreHost a Training
Is your agency interested in hosting a CIT training? ACITA can help connect you with experienced trainers, curriculum resources, and community partners to make it happen. We support agencies of all sizes — from large urban departments to small rural and tribal agencies.
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