List of Trainings Offered
Natural Helpers
The Natural Helpers program is nationally recognized for empowering middle and high school students to assist their peers with personal problems. Those chosen as Natural Helpers are identified by their peers as being approachable, helpful and trustworthy. While not professional therapists, Natural Helpers are empathetic listeners who guide their friends in resolving personal problems through conversation. Adolescents typically confide in their peers rather than adults regarding academic stress, romantic relationships, or challenges at home. Each Natural Helper participates in training to discern when they can assist a peer and when to seek help from an adult for issues beyond their training. The course typically spans a full school day (6.5 hours). Following the initial training for students and staff additional instruction, education or support is tailored to the specific needs of each school.
QPR
The “Question, Persuade, Refer” (QPR) training is a suicide prevention program designed to equip individuals with the skills to recognize and respond effectively to signs of crisis. The training focuses on three key actions: questioning individuals about their well-being, persuading them to seek help, and referring them to appropriate resources. Participants learn to identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, engage in compassionate and non-judgmental communication, and connect those in crisis with professional assistance. QPR aims to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to play an active role in saving lives through a 1-2 hour course available in both virtual and in-person formats.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
Youth Mental First Aid (YMHFA) training is a specialized program designed to educate individuals on effectively responding to mental health challenges in young people. The training provides participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize common mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, in adolescents and young adults. Through a practical and evidence-based 5-step action plan for how participants can help young people in both crisis and on-crisis situations. Participants will learn how to offer initial assistance, provide emotional support, and guide young individuals toward appropriate professional help. Like traditional first aid, this training aims to empower individuals to support youth experiencing mental health crises, fostering a more compassionate and informed community.
This class requires approximately seven hours or one complete workday. It can be delivered in a virtual or in-person format.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to provide initial assistance to those experiencing mental health challenges. Participants learn to recognize common mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, and are trained to respond in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. The training emphasizes the importance of early intervention, offering practical strategies to assist individuals in crisis and guiding them toward appropriate professional help. Just as traditional first aid is vital for physical health emergencies, Mental Health First Aid seeks to reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy, and empower participants to be proactive advocates for mental well-being in their communities. The course covers various topics that foster a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health issues.
This class requires approximately seven hours or one complete workday. It can be delivered in a virtual or in-person format.
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)
Teen Mental Health First Aid” training is a specialized program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to provide initial assistance to adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. Participants learn to recognize common mental health disorders among teens, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use issues, and are trained to respond in a supportive and age-appropriate manner. The training emphasizes early intervention, offering practical strategies for providing assistance and guiding teens toward professional help. Similar to standard Mental Health First Aid, this program seeks to reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy, and empower participants to play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of teenagers in their communities. The course typically covers a range of topics, fostering a more compassionate and understanding approach to teen mental health issues.
This class requires approximately 2 hours of online pre- and post-class work. The in-person instruction can be completed in six 45-minutes sessions or three 90-minutes sessions. This course can be delivered in a virtually or in-person.
ACE Interface
Based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, ACE Interface Training is a program designed to enhance understanding and response to the impact of childhood trauma on lifelong health. The training delves into the recognition and assessment of adverse experiences in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, and explores their correlation with long-term health outcomes. Participants gain insights into the neurobiology of trauma and learn strategies to create trauma-informed environments that promote resilience and healing. The goal of ACE Interface Training is to equip individuals and communities with the tools to prevent and mitigate the effects of childhood trauma, fostering a more compassionate and supportive approach to individuals affected by adverse experiences. This training is instrumental in creating awareness and facilitating a proactive response to address the root causes of health disparities related to childhood trauma.
Substance abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST)
SAPST training aims to develop the basic knowledge and skills substance misuse prevention practitioners need to plan, implement, and evaluate effective, data-driven programs and practices
that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness. The SAPST is intended to be an introductory-level course. SAPTS is generally offered once or twice each year. It can be offered in a virtual or in-person format.
Each class requires four full days of instruction and approximately 3 hours of pre- and post-class, self-guided study.