Crisis Prevention & Intervention Training in Human Services

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The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the majority of Americans’ mental health, while also creating new barriers for people already experiencing mental illness, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders. Because situations resulting in a mental health crisis can vary greatly, it is critical that providers have relevant, timely, and evidence-based methods of addressing crises in a way that is trauma-informed and meets the needs of the individual. 

This resource hub will help providers and their staff increase their understanding of crisis, improve their skills when handling crises, and give them knowledge to prevent and manage crises more effectively.  

2022 Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training Report

Featuring responses from nearly 3,000 behavioral health and IDD providers across the United States, the report uncovers interesting trends on the current state of training for crisis prevention and intervention among human services professionals.

For Behavioral and Community Health Providers

Counselor performing a suicide risk assessment

Suicide Risk Assessment: How to Talk About Suicidal Ideation

We cover best practices clinicians can use when performing suicide risk assessments and discussing suicidal ideation with clients.

doctor with patient in office performing a suicide screening

How to Improve Suicide Screenings in Primary and Integrated Care

Evidence has shown that suicide risk screening in primary care is effective, yet there is still a serious need to improve the frequency with which they’re conducted.

Professional practicing crisis prevention intervention

Crisis Prevention and Intervention in the Age of COVID-19

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit American shores in early 2020, mental health experts have worried about its potential effects on those they serve — and with good reason.

Nurse helping patient cope with the social determinants of suicide

Suicide Prevention: How to Help When Social Determinants Spiral

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, when mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

Building Relationships in Crisis Response

For many communities, the crisis response system of care is disjointed. This often prevents human service organizations from adequately responding to individuals in crisis, sometimes resulting in interactions with law enforcement or ending up in the emergency room.

A woman with short blond hair and blue shirt on the phone at a 988 hotline working with a behavioral health patient

988, Behavioral Health Services, and Better Crisis Response

Beginning July 16, 2022, the 988 crisis hotline will be fully operational. Those across the United States experiencing or witnessing a mental health crisis will now have a dedicated line to call and talk with a trained counselor.

For Children, Youth, and Family Providers

Domestic Violence and COVID-19: Bringing Awareness During the Pandemic

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we look at the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on domestic violence across the United States.

Talking to Kids About COVID-19

This webinar provides guidance on the developmentally-appropriate options for speaking to children in ways that support their health and the well-being of the entire family.

COVID-19 and Its Impact on Mental Health for Vulnerable Populations

In this presentation, we discuss the many ways the COVID-19 pandemic impacted children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

Children’s Mental Health in the Time of Coronavirus: New Challenges Need Creative Solutions

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the daily lives of individuals across the globe, children and youth are also grappling with the extreme changes it has brought.

For Intellectual and Developmental Disability Providers

Emergency Preparedness: A Guide to Ensuring Continuity of Care for Those with IDD

In IDD settings, the ability of supporting health professionals to provide proper care in the midst of a disaster depends on effective emergency preparedness. This blog outline 7 tips to help you prepare.

Using a Trauma-Informed Approach in Crisis Intervention

In this webinar, you’ll learn how using a TIC framework in your organization and services can complement your crisis prevention and intervention strategies with persons served.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care for IDD Organizations

Traumatic stress is incredibly prevalent in the general population, with almost 70% of adults in the U.S. having experienced some type of traumatic event in their lifetime.

For Public Safety Providers

suicide in correctional facilities

Preventing Suicide in Correctional Facilities: The Correctional Officer’s Role

Front-line correctional staff often carry the heaviest burden to identify, monitor and respond to suicidal behaviors in correctional facilities.

Introduction of 988: The Suicide/Mental Health Crisis Hotline

In September 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation creating a three-digit national suicide and mental health crisis hotline, 988. This hotline will take effect in July 2022, reflecting a commitment to delivering necessary crisis intervention services to all Americans.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Get more resources from SAMHSA at the link below.

How CCBHCs Can Leverage Co-Response to Streamline 988 Adoption

Join us on July 13, 20222 to hear how one CCBHC, Network180, has implemented co-response in their community. You’ll also hear the National Council and Relias share how 988 can improve crisis response across the continuum of care.

A woman with short blond hair and blue shirt on the phone at a 988 hotline working with a behavioral health patient

988, Behavioral Health Services, and Better Crisis Response

Beginning July 16, 2022, the 988 crisis hotline will be fully operational. Those across the United States experiencing or witnessing a mental health crisis will now have a dedicated line to call and talk with a trained counselor.

Simulation Training Courses to Help Staff Manage Crisis Situations

Simulation training gives clinical and non-clinical staff a private and safe space to practice and hone their crisis intervention skills. This simulated environment gives staff the ability to assess and intervene appropriately with real-time feedback. Relias offers several simulation training courses on crisis management, including suicide intervention and prevention. Below are samples of Relias’ simulation training offerings:

Crisis Management Across Health and Human Services

Provide health and human services staff with the ability to apply critical thinking, knowledge and skills in simulated clinical sessions and to real-world experiences.

In Session: Practicing Clinical Skills to Prevent Suicide

This course gives learners the opportunity to apply their existing knowledge of suicide prevention in a simulated clinical setting.

In Session: Suicide Assessment and Intervention for Adults

This course is designed to provide behavioral health clinicians with the ability to apply critical thinking, knowledge and skills in simulated clinical sessions and to real-world experiences.

Trauma-Informed Crisis Response

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Trauma 101: The Basics of Trauma and Its Impact

Trauma-informed Care is a model that has long been promoted in healthcare and social service settings. However, there are still many providers who struggle to implement it.

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Creating a Trauma-Informed System of Care: Addressing Individuals, Professionals, and Organizations

Download this e-book to learn how to become a trauma-informed organization, including the key elements of the trauma-informed model of care.

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Building Resilience: Empowering Your Clients and Your Staff

People can, and do, recover from trauma. By building upon existing strengths and applying new tools for coping, resilience is a skill that can be fostered.

Additional Resources

2022 Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training Report: Key Findings

Join us on August 30th, 2022 learn the results of the 2022 Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training Report, and how you can leverage these insights to improve the crisis response of your staff.

Trauma-Informed Care Topic Hub

Training and resources to help organizations implement the trauma-informed care framework.

Suicide Prevention Toolkit

No matter your care setting, having up-to-date knowledge on identifying, assessing, and responding to suicide risk in persons served and staff should be an integral part of your practice.

COVID-19 Digital Toolkit

Free, unrestricted access to education and training resources to stay safe and informed.

Relias & Crisis Prevention Training

Because situations resulting in a mental health crisis can vary greatly, it is critical that providers have relevant, timely, and evidence-based training to address crises in a way that is trauma-informed and meets the needs of the individual.  

Relias offers training to help everyone at your organization improve their crisis prevention and intervention response. Learn more about the Relias Platform, our training libraries that include crisis prevention and suicide prevention-specific content, and more. 

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