Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – CMHA Edmonton

Attending this two-day course will train you to intervene with an individual who is suicidal.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an intensive, interactive, and practice-dominated course designed to help caregivers recognize and review risk and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. It is by far the most widely used, acclaimed and researched suicide intervention training workshop in the world. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize that caregivers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal

  attitudes about suicide

• Discuss suicide with a person at risk in a direct manner

• Identify risk alerts and develop a safe plan related to them

• Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide

• List the types of resources available to a person at risk of suicide, including themselves

• Make a commitment to improving community resources and networking

Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide intervention and, includes life promotion and self-care for persons at risk and for caregivers

Audience: Ages 18+. Participants can include but are not limited to: parents and caregivers; natural helpers and advisors; educators and ministers; health practitioners; justice, law enforcers, emergency workers, and community volunteers.

For more information: CMHA-Edmonton ASIST

To register: ASIST Upcoming Sessions

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM) – Alberta Health Services

Learn how to assess and manage individuals at risk of suicide, from a healthcare provider perspective.

Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM) is an e-learning series that responds to the foundational learning needs of health care providers, particularly those working in Addiction and Mental Health (AMH). The content supports developing foundational competence in suicide prevention, risk assessment, and managing individuals at-risk for suicide. The learner can use this content in a manner that is relevant to their practice domain, and it is intended to complement rather than replace any existing suicide prevention training. SPRAM does not provide formal certification.

SPRAM consists of nine (9) e-Learning modules. The content has been developed using evidence-informed best practices and is organized sequentially to create a seamless, flowing learning experience; the modules must be taken in order.

SPRAM is considered an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Professional Development. It is duly accredited by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.

To register: AHS - SPRAM

Our Children Are Sacred - Ben Calf Robe

A youth focused suicide prevention course and resource for adults interacting with individuals at risk for suicide.

This 2-day interactive course is designed to increase awareness around preventative and protective factors that put people at risk for suicide and provide participants with the skills to respond to a person considering suicide.

For more information: Ben Calf Robe – Our Children Are Sacred

To register: Our Children Are Sacred

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

Wise Practices for Life Promotion – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, this is a 3-day virtual training that focuses on suicide prevention and life promotion practices through an Indigenous lens.

This course supports First Nations communities interested in building their capacity to connect youth with life and living via implementing life promotion ideas from the wisepractices.ca website. The topics that will be covered include how life promotion contributes to suicide prevention, the strength-based approach to life promotion, land based life promotion practices, the role of First Nations knowledge in community-based life promotion efforts, and the relationship between colonial violence and suicidal behaviours, and how Indigenous Knowledge resists this. The training respects the unique characteristics and priorities of each community and recognizes that First Nations communities have their own teachings and practices related to community wellness.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Training Calendar

LivingWorks Start – LivingWorks

An introductory course that will provide anyone over the age of 13 with basic skills on how to recognize and support someone who is thinking about suicide.

In just one hour online, LivingWorks Start teaches trainees to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and connect them to help and support.

LivingWorks Start teaches valuable skills to everyone 13 and older and requires no formal training or prior experience in suicide prevention.

When you sign up for LivingWorks Start training, you’ll learn a powerful four-step model to keep someone safe from suicide, and you’ll have a chance to practice it with impactful simulations. Safety resources and support are available throughout the program.

For more information: LivingWorks

To register: LivingWorks Start

Counselling on Access to Lethal Means – Zero Suicide

Learn how to reduce access to methods that people use to die by suicide.

Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies.

This course is about how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It covers who needs lethal means counseling and how to work with people at risk for suicide—and their families—to reduce access.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain that reducing access to lethal means is an evidence-based strategy for suicide prevention.

• Explain how reducing access to lethal means can prevent suicide.

• Identify clients for whom lethal means counseling is appropriate.

• Describe strategies for raising the topic of lethal means, and feel more comfortable and competent applying these strategies with clients.

• Advise clients on specific off-site and in-home secure storage options for firearms and strategies to limit access to dangerous medications.

• Work with your clients and their families to develop a specific plan to reduce access to lethal means and follow up on the plan over time.

Audience: While this course is primarily designed for mental health professionals, others who work with people at risk for suicide, such as health care providers and social service professionals, may also benefit.

To register: Zero Suicide

Edmonton Recovery College - CMHA-Edmonton

Courses developed and offered by individuals with lived experience around varying life topics.

The CMHA-Edmonton Recovery College offers a number of courses that are designed to support well-being and connection. All of the courses are created by an individual who has lived experience on the topic they want to educate about, in conjunction with a mental health professional to ensure that the courses are as beneficial as possible for participants. There are many available courses that rotate through over the course of a year. Some of these include Shades of Self-Disclosure; Be Kind, Embrace your Mind (Bite Size: Online); Hope Building 101 (In Person: Prosper Place); Journaling 101 (Bite Size: Online); Building Better Boundaries (Bite Size: Online); How to Feel Better About Yourself (Online: Full Size); etc.

To register: Recovery College Edmonton

Radical Mental Health Peer Support – CMHA-Edmonton Peer College

Learn the basics of being a peer support worker.

Radical Mental Health Peer Support course is a 15-hour course consisting of 6 modules that explore the fundamentals of peer support training and is offered multiple times each year.

To register: CMHA-Edmonton Peer College

School of Peer Support – CMHA-Edmonton Peer College

Build a fully developed skill-set around being a peer worker through both in-class instruction and a practicum component.

The School of Peer Support is a nine-month course that delves into the fundamentals of peer support including such areas as supportive listening, boundaries, system navigation, etc. This course is delivered once each week over 93 hours of in-class training (from mid-October to late June) followed by a 50-hour practicum.

To register: CMHA-Edmonton Peer College

Where We Are At – Peer Connect BC

A provincially approved curriculum that will train you to be a peer worker.

Where We Are At is a first of its kind, provincially approved curriculum that’s been guided and evaluated by existing peer support organizations and people with lived experience in the province – from start to finish. The training is made up of 16 modules that focus on the peer support worker role. It’s designed to enhance your support worker training and to ensure quality and consistency across British Columbia. In every module, the goal is the same: to help you internalize these important concepts so you can use them in your own work settings. 

The Provincial Peer Support Training Curriculum course takes approximately 40 hours to complete. To receive a Certificate of Completion you must first register for the course on the Registration page to create an account.

To register: Peer Connect BC

LEAP (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn how to provide support and interact with someone you care about when they are experiencing psychosis.

Do you have a family member experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychotic illness who is unwilling to accept treatment? If so, then LEAP can help.

LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) courses are for family members or caregivers of someone who is experiencing psychosis (hallucinations and/or delusions) and isn’t aware of having a mental illness. This is an evidence based course that aims to improve or repair your relationship and help you get your loved one to recognize the signs of their condition and accept treatment. LEAP was developed by Dr. Xavier Amador, a renowned clinical psychologist with first-hand experience caring for family members with serious mental illness.

The LEAP-certified trainer, a family member like you, was taught by Dr. Amador and has helped hundreds of other Albertans over the past five years. The interactive course includes opportunities to practice new ways to communicate with – and relate to – someone with a psychotic illness. 

Please note that each in-person course will be hosted at Prosper Place, 10455 172 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5S 1K9. If you have questions about LEAP or are wondering if this course is for you, please email ndorcas@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

To register: CMHA-Edmonton – LEAP

Mental Health First Aid Virtual – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.

The Mental Health First Aid training was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

MHFA teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If a crisis does arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1 – Self Directed) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3 – Virtual Classroom). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

Participants will receive the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises.

For more information: CMHA-Edmonton MHFA Standard

To register: MHFA

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

BounceBack – CMHA

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.

Topics covered in the BounceBack® program include:

• Understanding worry and stress

• Overcoming sleep problems

• Being assertive

• Practical problem solving skills

• Changing extreme and unhelpful thinking

• Building relationships with your family and friends

• Planning for the future

Videos are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.

With the right tools and practice, you can bounce back to reclaim your health.

To register: CMHA – BounceBack

Empowering Families Affected by Psychosis – CAMH (Centre for Mental Health and Addictions)

Learn how to support loved ones who are experiencing psychosis.

This course is for families, friends and supporters of those who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. The course covers what your relative may experience during early psychosis and how you can work with a health care team to support your relative in the recovery process. The course will also help you recognize the stress and range of emotions you may be experiencing and understand the importance of addressing your own needs.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain what psychosis is.

• Identify the impact of a relative’s symptoms of psychosis on you.

• Describe the challenges you may face with a relative experiencing psychosis.

• Explore ways to provide support to your family member during the recovery process.

• Identify physical, emotional, social and spiritual self-care strategies you can use to reduce your stress.

To register: CAMH – EFAP

Empowering Families Affected by Substance Use Problems – CAMH (Centre for Mental Health and Addictions)

Learn how to support loved ones who are struggling with substance use.

Having a family member with a substance use problem can be very stressful and overwhelming. You play a key role in supporting your relative and in promoting their wellness and recovery. Performing this role may take a toll and have a significant impact on you as well. This self-directed online program is designed to empower you as you support your loved one.

This course will help you to recognize the stress and range of emotions you may be experiencing, and to understand the importance of addressing your own needs. The course will also explore strategies you can use to cope with the challenges of dealing with a relative with substance use problems, strategies for self-care and ways to empower yourself.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain why people use alcohol and other drugs.

• Identify the impact a relative’s substance use problem has on you.

  Describe the challenges you may face with a relative with substance use problems and strategies to address the challenges.

• Explore ways to provide support to your family member.

• Identify physical, emotional, social and spiritual self-care strategies you can use to reduce your stress.

To register: CAMH – EFASUP

101 Introductory Courses – CAMH (Centre for Mental Health and Addictions)

A collection of introductory modules on different subjects within the field of mental health and addictions.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. They offer a number of introductory courses around mental health and addictions. Each module can be completed separately. Some of the courses include Addiction 101, Mental Health 101, Depression 101, Harm Reduction, Diversity and Health Equity, etc.

To register: CAMH Mental Health 101 Courses

Lunch & Learn Series - Mental Health Foundation

An ongoing series on various mental health and addiction topics that provides education and a place for connection.

Our Lunch & Learn Series is dedicated to fostering an open dialogue on mental health and addictions topics. These free online sessions provide the community with valuable knowledge, resources, and support in a warm, welcoming environment. The Lunch & Learn Series provides evidence-based resources that can help people stay up-to-date on best practices, connect with other like minded individuals, and engage in stimulating discussions.

To register: MHF Lunch & Learn

Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program – Ben Calf Robe

A strength-based program that supports parents to build valuable skills and healthy relationships with their children while honouring traditional Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Parents will enhance their parenting skills in a positive, effective, and enjoyable way while honouring our Indigenous Ways of Knowing. Parents will learn strategies on how to best connect with their child(ren) and have a rewarding parent/child relationship. 

Our program is designed to support trauma informed persons served. We believe in using a strengths-based approach – persons served are led by their own strengths in which determine their outcome. Together we can decolonize our mind, body, and soul through a holistic traditional way.

Some Parenting Topics Include:

• Structure & Routine

• Residential School System

• Impacts of Intergenerational trauma

• Developmental stages of life

• Emotional Regulation

• Medicine Wheel Teachings

• Identity/purpose/culture

• Stress Management

• Communication

• Family Violence

• Grief and Loss

• Self-Esteem/Self-care

• Anger Management

• Conflict Resolution

• Attachment & Bonding

• Relationships & Boundaries

• Parenting Styles

• Behaviour Management

• Traditional Sharing Circles

To register: Ben Calf Robe – Indigenous Wellness Parenting Program

Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta

Learn the complexities of Indigenous history in Canada and the struggles they face in preserving their well-being in modern society.

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.

To register: Coursera – UofA Indigenous Canada

Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma, Vicarious Trauma and Wellness – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Free for First Nations community wellness workers, this online course covers various aspects of trauma and resilience in Indigenous culture.

This course builds upon the strengths of Indigenous peoples, utilizing Culture as Foundation, to understand the experience of collective trauma, historical, intergenerational, and vicarious trauma. In doing so, the course explores trauma and its effects on individuals and communities and explore ways to promote healing and resilience, including the application and use of the Indigenous Wellness Framework (IWF) and First Nations Mental Wellness Framework (FNMWC). Additionally, the course will provide guidance on stress, vicarious trauma, burnout, and workplace wellness, exploring ways to promote self-care and organizational wellness.

To register: ThunderbirdPF – Online Course Sign-Up