From Call to Care: Empowering Dispatchers in Behavioral Health Crisis Response

From Call to Care: Empowering Dispatchers in Behavioral Health Crisis Response

This recorded webinar is offered as part of the COPS Office National De-escalation Training Network.

It is presented by Amanda Stamps, Senior Regional Director of Operations, Community Bridges Inc., Matthew Moody, M.S., Principal Consultant, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc, and Marianne Halbert, J.D., Programs Manager, CIT International.

This webinar explores the vital role dispatchers play in de-escalation, caller safety, and effective coordination with crisis teams and first responders. With the addition of community-based crisis options across the country, communications personnel have the opportunity now more than ever to change the outcome of the crisis. Participants will learn best practices for identifying behavioral health concerns, applying trauma-informed communication, and ensuring callers receive the most appropriate resources. Participants will also gain self-care strategies to manage stress and protect their own well-being while handling these challenging calls. By equipping dispatchers with the right tools and training, communities can improve outcomes, reduce risks, and strengthen the crisis response system from the very first call.

Presenters Amanda Stamps, Matthew Moody, M.S., and Marianne Halbert, J.D., bring extensive expertise in crisis intervention and emergency communications. Amanda Stamps retired from the Mesa Police Department after spending 26 years pursuing her passion for helping others and currently works as the Senior Director of Regional Operations over community-based crisis mobile teams for Community Bridges Inc. and owns Practical Law Enforcement Crisis Solutions LLC. Matthew Moody, M.S., is a principal consultant at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) with 15 years of experience in the crisis mental health and 988 fields and has led the creation of seven 911 to 988 diversion programs across the U.S. and Canada. Marianne Halbert, J.D., is the Programs Manager at CIT International and oversees all of CIT International’s trainings, certifications, and technical assistance programs, including Program Certification, the Coordinator Certification Course, CIT Curriculum Train-the-Trainer, and CIT Support Training for 911/Emergency Communications.

Target Audience: This recorded webinar is designed specifically for emergency communications professionals including 911 call-takers, dispatchers, and those in supervisory roles within emergency communications. It is also appropriate for any public safety professional involved in behavioral health crisis response who interacts with emergency communications personnel as part of their duties.