Empowering Response: Advancing Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Strategies in Trauma-Informed Care Systems
The Substance Abuse and 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 backgrounds and experiences of those in distress.
WHEN:
Every Wednesday, June 3 – July 1, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM EDT
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 communities.
• Apply evidence-based techniques in crisis intervention to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in acute suicidality.
• Recognize and address the unique 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 3 (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia)
PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:
• Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on June 3, 2026 at 12pm EDT
• Commit to 4-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly from June 10– July 1, 2026
• 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:
This series has been approved for a total of 11 hours by CASAT, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 21.0 CEHs. NAADAC Provider #98165. CASAT is responsible for all aspects of its programming. This course applies to the following Counselor Skill Groups as defined by NAADAC: Counseling Services and Legal, Ethical, and Professional Development. CASAT has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6492. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
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 workwise@casat.org with questions about this series
