Supporting mental health is essential in every community. Whether you are an educator, first responder, or someone who simply wants to help, there are numerous training programs available to equip you with the skills to provide meaningful support. Below is an overview of various programs designed to enhance understanding and responsiveness to mental health challenges that are offered by Tri-County Health Network in your area.
For more information or to plan a community helper training please reach out to j.hurst@tchnetwork.org.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) It’s Real (Youth)
It’s Real is designed for middle and high school students, this program raises awareness about mental health, self-care, and how to start conversations about mental wellbeing. It provides young people with essential resources and strategies for seeking help when needed.
45 minutes, In Person or Virtual
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ending the Silence (Youth)
Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation educates middle and high school students on recognizing the warning signs of mental health conditions and taking appropriate steps to seek support for themselves or others. This is done through other youth sharing their stories of challenge and recovery.
90 minutes, In Person or Virtual
Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) (Adult and en español)
COMET provides seven key questions and statements to help initiate conversations with individuals who may be facing mental health or emotional challenges. The approach is designed to feel natural and to create an entry point into understanding their situation. This training helps participants develop confidence in starting meaningful discussions about mental health.
1.5 – 2 hours, In Person or Virtual
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Talk Saves Lives (Adult)
Talk Saves Lives provides an overview of suicide prevention, covering the scope of the issue, warning signs, risk factors, and research-backed prevention strategies. Participants learn about protective factors and proactive approaches to mental health and self-care.
90 minutes, In Person or Virtual
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) (Adult and en español)
Through three simple steps—Question, Persuade, and Refer—this training prepares individuals to assist family, friends, and colleagues who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, engage in direct conversations, and refer individuals to appropriate support services.
90 minutes, In Person or Virtual
Livingworks safeTALK (Youth and Adult)
SafeTALK equips participants to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and to connect them with appropriate help. Using a straightforward and effective model, safeTALK empowers individuals to make a difference by fostering open, supportive discussions about suicide.
3-4 hours, In Person
Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) (Youth)
TMHFA ensures that students are well-equipped to support their peers, develop coping strategies and seek assistance from trusted adults through a structured, evidence-based process. It goes over fundamentals of mental health and applies to current challenges facing youth.
6 sessions (45 minutes each) or 3 sessions (90 minutes each), In Person or Virtual
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) (Adult)
YMHFA is designed for adults who support youth experiencing mental health challenges. The course introduces common mental health issues affecting young people, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan to assist youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Available in in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats.
6-8 hours, In Person, Hybrid or Virtual
Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) (Adult)
AMHFA teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The training includes inperson, hybrid, and virtual options. Specializations are available for various communities, including first responders, aging adults, rural communities, and tribal communities.
6-8 hours, In Person, Hybrid or Virtual
