CarePlus NJ and Bergen County CIT Surpass 1,000 Trained in Crisis Response

Training milestone underscores countywide commitment to effective mental health crisis intervention

Paramus, N.J. (December 19, 2025) –  CarePlus NJ, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services, in partnership with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bergen County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program, announced that more than 1,000 law enforcement officers and mental health professionals in Bergen County have completed Crisis Intervention Team training, marking a significant milestone in the county’s crisis response efforts.

The milestone was reached following the most recent 40-hour CIT training, and reflects the sustained, collaborative effort to improve responses to mental health emergencies throughout Bergen County.

The CIT program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based model that brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, emergency responders, and advocacy organizations to promote safe, effective de-escalation and connection to appropriate mental health services when individuals are experiencing a mental health crisis. National research has shown that CIT training is associated with improved officer knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as well as increased diversion of individuals in crisis to mental health services rather than arrest.

“Reaching this milestone represents an important step forward for Bergen County,” said Amie Del Sordo, LCSW, Executive Senior Vice President, Crisis and Community Services at CarePlus NJ and Bergen County CIT Mental Health Coordinator. “CIT training equips professionals with the skills and understanding necessary to respond compassionately and effectively during crisis situations, while strengthening trust and collaboration between community members, law enforcement, and first responders reinforcing a coordinated, community-based approach to care.”

Since introducing the first CIT training to Bergen County in 2016, CarePlus NJ has played a central role in coordinating and expanding CIT education across the county in partnership with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Bergen County’s CIT program has also been recognized for its leadership in the state, becoming the only county CIT program in New Jersey to receive certification from CIT International, reflecting its commitment to nationally recognized practices in crisis intervention training.

Additional CIT trainings are planned to further strengthen crisis response capacity across Bergen County. For more information about Bergen County CIT trainings, visit https://cit-nj.org/ or contact Amie Del Sordo at AmieD@CarePlusNJ.org.

About CarePlus NJ 

CarePlus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services for adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the U.S., CarePlus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering accessible, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. The organization serves nearly 12,000 individuals annually, and offers a full continuum of behavioral health and social support services that empower people to reach their full potential. Committed to equity and innovation, CarePlus NJ works to remove barriers to care and improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves.