Empowering Response: Advancing Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Strategies in Trauma-Informed Care Systems

The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) promotes the importance of implementing an effective crisis response system as it benefits not only individuals, but families and communities as well. This dynamic 5-week Enhanced Professional Learning (EPL) series is designed for professionals within healthcare and behavioral health care systems in rural areas. This series focuses on advancing crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies through the lens of trauma-informed care, addressing the critical need for sensitive, effective responses to mental health crises that honor the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those in distress.

WHEN:

Every Tuesday, July 1 – July 29, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM MDT/2:00 – 3:30 PM CDT 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the series, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key components of effective, trauma-informed crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies within diverse, rural communities.
• Apply evidence-based techniques in crisis intervention to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in acute suicidality.
• Recognize and address the unique cultural and societal factors influencing mental health crises.
• Utilize practical skills in empathetic communication, assessment, safety planning, and transitioning care in crisis situations.
• Develop and implement an action plan for integrating crisis intervention and suicide prevention best practices into their professional setting.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

Behavioral health, substance use disorders, and recovery service providers located in HHS Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:

• Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on July 1, 2025 at 1pm MDT/2pm CDT.
• Commit to 4-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly from July 8– 29, 2025
• Complete weekly self-study learning activities
  
• Access to appropriate technology to utilize online videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, webcam, computer/tablet, speakers, and microphone)
• Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time.

FACILITATOR:

• Bianca D. McCall, LMFT

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE

The first 35 registrants will receive a waiver that covers the entire $350 cost of participation. Once the 35 spots have been filled, registration will be closed. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full requirements, please defer this opportunity to others.

Note: Registrants enrolled in this series are expected to attend the orientation and Week 1 sessions. If you cannot attend these sessions, you will forfeit your attendance. In addition, it is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology by Week 1 to be able to fully participate and be on camera during the session. This is not a webinar series and active participation is required to gain/improve skills.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

The series has been approved for a total of 11 contact hours (10 hours content instruction and one-hour orientation session) through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), and has been approved by CASAT, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 11 CEUs. NAADAC Provider #98165. CASAT is responsible for all aspects of its programming. No credit will be awarded for non-attendance or partial attendance.

The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.

QUESTIONS:

Please contact mpattc@casat.org with questions about this series

ACCESSIBILITY:

If any accommodation is needed, please contact us at mpattc@casat.org. Requests should be made as soon as possible and preferably at least two weeks prior to the start of the series.