In the News: NEOMED experts discuss mental health interventions in criminal justice

Two members of the NEOMED community shared their expertise on Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) with Psychiatric Times.

Jeff Futo, Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence law enforcement liaison, discussed the value of CITs, which help direct individuals with mental illness into treatment instead of inappropriate incarceration.

Mark Munetz, M.D., NEOMED professor and chair emeritus of psychiatry, outlined the SIM and its application in the criminal justice system.

“We hope that officers with a higher level of understanding about mental illness and individuals in crisis approach these types of incidents in a manner that is compassionate, patient, and focused on effective communication and positive outcomes,” Futo noted in the article. “By applying the knowledge gained through specialized training, these officers are more prepared to assess situations, reduce tensions, and provide appropriate interventions.”

Read At a Crossroads: Clinicians and Law Enforcement, a Partnership to Protect Mental Health