Crisis Training Institute
The Crisis Training Institute of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside provides a wide range of programs and consulting services in crisis prevention and intervention, stress management, and the mental health component of disaster response. These programs and services help behavioral health, health care, and public safety professionals perform effectively in disaster-related or potentially violent situations.
Because of our realistic, hands-on instruction, our programs have become the benchmark in crisis, stress, and disaster management. Training participants have high praise for the programs, and those who use our practices and approaches note increased confidence and effectiveness in dealing with volatile and stressful situations.
Crisis Training Institute Programs
- Minimize the impact of traumatic stress
- Maximize team effectiveness and cohesion
- Decrease injuries to staff and clients
- Reduce the use of seclusion and restraint
- Promote regulatory compliance
- Expand disaster response capabilities
- Enhance individual, community, and facility disaster preparedness
Our professional team members have an average of 20 years of experience in the fields of mental health, crisis management, and disaster crisis outreach. The team’s collective background includes clinical research, management, and education as well as psychiatric nursing, emergency room, disaster response, and mobile crisis experience. Our training programs meet the strict standards of The Joint Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Our Comprehensive Crisis Management programs have been implemented at UPMC hospitals, including Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, as well as at the VA-Pittsburgh Healthcare System, VA-Butler Medical Center, Mayview Pennsylvania State Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago, Georgetown University Hospital, and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, D.C.
In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we have assisted in the development of disaster response programs and have provided training to responders across Pennsylvania.