Eastern Montana Regional Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Academy Announced

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A 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) academy is being held in Sidney, Montana from March 9-13, 2026. The training is based on the Memphis model and aims to better prepare first responders, ER staff, and others in the community crisis system to effectively and safely engage with individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises.

Why it matters

This CIT training is an important initiative to improve crisis response in Eastern Montana, where access to mental health resources can be limited. By equipping first responders with specialized skills, the program seeks to promote more compassionate and effective interventions for those in distress.

The details

The CIT academy will cover materials and experiences from mental health and medical professionals to help participants learn how to engage, assess, and assist individuals in crisis. Upon successful completion, law enforcement will be certified as CIT officers by Montana P.O.S.T. and all participants will receive certification from CIT Montana.

• The CIT academy will take place from March 9-13, 2026.
• The training sessions will run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.

What’s next

Pre-registration is required for the CIT academy, and space is limited. Interested participants should contact Jessica Gilbert at the Richland County Health Department or Allen Drane at the Richland County Sheriff's Office to sign up.