On February 14, 2026, the NJAMHAA (New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies) Spring Conference will feature a high-impact session led by two of the state’s most dedicated advocates for crisis intervention and behavioral health.
At 10:45 AM, Edward Dobleman, State Director of the CIT-NJ Center of Excellence, will join Joseph Haber, Vice President of Ambulatory and Emergency Services at Legacy Treatment Services, to present Session 1.4: Evolving Crisis Intervention Team for Today’s Behavioral Health Needs.
The Mission Behind the Presentation
As the landscape of mental health care shifts toward more integrated and mobile responses, this session aims to address the critical intersection of law enforcement and clinical support.
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Edward Dobleman, a retired Police Chief and visionary in the field, has spent his post-command career building a “statewide tapestry of compassion.” As the head of CIT-NJ, he works across all 21 New Jersey counties to bridge the gap between first responders and mental health advocacy.
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Joseph Haber, LCSW, brings his deep clinical expertise from Legacy Treatment Services to the table. As Vice President, his work focuses on the “front lines” of emergency services, ensuring that those in crisis receive trauma-informed, evidence-based care.
Key Discussion Points
The narrative of their presentation centers on how the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model is being reimagined for 2026. Attendees can expect a deep dive into:
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The Power of Partnerships: How local law enforcement and mental health providers can create a seamless safety net for residents.
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De-escalation Techniques: Practical active listening and crisis resolution skills that save lives and reduce the need for force.
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Innovation in Care: Moving beyond traditional police responses toward collaborative models that prioritize long-term stability and peer-led alternatives.
The session represents a cornerstone of the NJAMHAA conference’s “Courage & Compassion” theme, showcasing how New Jersey continues to lead the nation in transforming the community response to mental health crises.
Note: The NJAMHAA Spring Conference is a multi-day event. This specific session kicks off the first morning’s block of programming, setting a collaborative tone for the rest of the summit.