Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training is a structured program designed to help professionals recognize, prevent, and safely manage disruptive or aggressive behavior in a respectful and nonviolent manner. Widely used in healthcare, education, social services, and mental health settings, CPI training emphasizes early intervention, communication, and de-escalation techniques.

Key components of CPI training include:

• Understanding Behavior Patterns: Learning to identify signs of escalating behavior and the factors that influence crisis situations.

• Verbal De-escalation Skills: Developing techniques to calm individuals using empathy, active listening, and non-confrontational communication.

• Nonviolent Physical Intervention: When necessary, learning safe and respectful physical interventions to prevent harm while prioritizing dignity and safety.

• Post-Crisis Strategies: Emphasizing recovery, reflection, and support after a crisis to reduce future risk and foster a positive environment.

The goal of CPI training is to promote the safety and well-being of everyone involved by building confidence, competence, and a culture of care in challenging situations. Certification is typically valid for a year and may be a requirement in many professional settings.

Students participating in CPI training can expect an engaging, hands-on learning experience focused on safety, communication, and prevention. The training is designed to be practical, interactive, and applicable to real-world situations across healthcare, education, and human services environments.

Here’s what students can typically expect:

Interactive Instruction

• Instructor-led discussions on the causes of crisis behavior and how to respond effectively.

• Exploration of the CPI Crisis Development Model to understand behavior escalation and appropriate staff responses.

Verbal De-escalation Techniques

• Practice using calm, non-threatening language and tone to defuse tense situations.

• Learn how to build rapport, maintain control, and promote a safe environment through empathy and active listening.

Physical Intervention Practice

• Hands-on demonstrations of nonviolent physical crisis interventions, used only as a last resort and always focused on safety and respect.

• Step-by-step instruction on safe positioning, disengagement, and team intervention techniques.

Role-Playing & Scenarios

• Practice real-life scenarios in a controlled setting to reinforce skills and build confidence.

• Immediate feedback and coaching from certified trainers.

Safety & Legal Considerations

• Discussion of the ethical and legal aspects of crisis intervention, including duty of care and appropriate documentation.

Post-Crisis Support Strategies

• Learn how to conduct debriefings, provide support after an incident, and create a positive recovery environment.

Certification

• Upon successful completion, students receive a CPI certification, which may be required for employment in many professional settings.