This training program is a comprehensive, two-tiered curriculum designed to build critical skills for both community-based professionals and first responders, including police, fire personnel, and caregivers, who support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The program emphasizes effective communication, client engagement, and motivational interviewing, while equipping participants with practical strategies in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and stress management. It also provides specialized instruction in domestic violence awareness and survivor-centered support, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) foundations, adolescent development, and youth engagement. Additionally, the curriculum promotes cultural competency and self-awareness through unconscious bias training, ensuring participants are prepared to respond thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively to diverse populations and complex behavioral health needs.
Tier 1 is for professionals working with clients in the community. Tier 2 is designed for first responders, members of police and fire departments and community members including parents and care givers who might be dealing with individuals who exhibit risk factors associated with mental disorders.
For more information about this training program, please contact Hazel Roman, Senior Project Manager at hroman@lewisu.edu.