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

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

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

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

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

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing Using Plants – University of New Mexico

Learn about how plants are used in traditional Hispanic/Latino healing medicine.

As one of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on the use of plants in traditional healing. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share the history, influences, and contributions of traditional medicine. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of the healing properties of plants commonly found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico through practical applications that can still be used today. Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine to approach health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the use of plants for the digestive and nervous systems; how to prepare tinctures and microdosis for healing; how to use juice therapy and geotherapy (clay combined with plants) for treatments; and the use of herbal oils and herbal smoke for healing.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:THUP

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Mind, Energy & Spirit – University of New Mexico

Learn ways to support your mind, energy, and spirit, through Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine.

As the third of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on traditional healing of mind, energy and spirit. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share a number of traditional body therapies. Trained traditional healers will share their knowledge of cleansings from different cultures such as spiritual, energetic and Tonalli Cleansing.

Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine for health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the traditional therapy of the sweat lodge temazcal, laugh therapy risaterapia and they will learn about the creation of sacred spaces and healing grief through Día de los Muertos.

To register: Coursera – UNM – C:ThMES

Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship MOOC – Athabasca University

A free course to build understanding and champion Indigenous health equity in Canada.

This MOOC is perfect for individuals looking to expand their understanding of Indigenous health issues and those committed to fostering allyship. Whether you are a student, healthcare professional, community worker, or simply passionate about making a difference, this course offers valuable insights for everyone.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance your knowledge: Gain a solid foundation in the historical, social, and cultural contexts of Indigenous health.

• Build meaningful connections: Learn how to support Indigenous communities through informed and respectful allyship.

• Develop practical skills: Acquire tools and strategies to advocate for health equity and social justice effectively.

To register: Athabasca University – IHWAA

Gender-Based Analysis Plus – Government of Canada

A tool that can be applied to policies, programs, and initiatives that will guide development in an accessible and equitable way that benefits everyone and that all members of society can participate with minimal barriers.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

To register: GoC – GBA Plus

Trauma-Informed Care e-Learning Series – Alberta Health Services

Self-study modules designed to educate you on how to be mindful of the impacts of trauma when interacting with others and providing care.

The TIC e-Learning Series consists of seven (7) foundational self-study modules, each of which can be completed in approximately 30 minutes or less. The modules have been designed for a broad audience, including those providing Addiction & Mental Health treatment services. The content has been developed using evidence-informed best practices and is organized sequentially to create a seamless, flowing learning experience; the modules should be taken in order.

To register:AHS Trauma Training Initiative

Brain Story Certification – Alberta Family Wellness Initiative

A comprehensive online course that provides knowledge around early brain development and how stress and trauma experienced in early life contribute to changes in the brain that can lead to physical and mental health issues later on.

Lifelong health is determined by more than just our genes: experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction. That finding is the premise of the Brain Story, which puts scientific concepts into a narrative that is salient to both expert and non-expert audiences. The Brain Story synthesizes decades of research and reflects a body of knowledge that experts agree is useful for policy-makers and citizens to understand.

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) has developed an online course to make Brain Story science available to professionals and the public. Brain Story Certification is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health. The course is also designed for professionals seeking certification in a wide range of fields. 

To register: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative- Training

Psychological First Aid – Johns Hopkins University

Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.

Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, mass disaster venues, and even the demands of more commonplace critical events, e.g., dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, robberies, suicide, homicide, or community violence. In addition, the RAPID model has been found effective in promoting personal and community resilience. Participants will increase their abilities to: - Discuss key concepts related to PFA - Listen reflectively - Differentiate benign, non-incapacitating psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions from more severe, potentially incapacitating, crisis reactions - Prioritize (triage) psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions - Mitigate acute distress and dysfunction, as appropriate - Recognize when to facilitate access to further mental health support - Practice self-care

To register: Coursera – JHU – PFA

Provincial Addiction & Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills (PACES) – Alberta Health Services

Learn how to support individuals struggling with addictions, mental health, and concurrent disorders.

The Provincial Addiction & Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills (PACES) Learning Pathway advances learners from a basic understanding to a mastery of the competencies required to assess, treat, and support recovery from addictions, mental health or concurrent disorders.

PACES provides accessible, self-paced, and personalized addiction and mental health education for all skill levels through e-learning modules, educational videos, simulated clinical scenarios, and virtual skill-building sessions.

The learning pathway consists of four learning phases, allowing individuals to develop their skills based on their unique needs.

Read The Provincial Addiction and Mental Health Curricula & Experiential Skills Learning Pathway.

PACES consists of both Accredited Self-Assessment Learning and Simulation Activities (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. Upon completion of each activity, the learner can request a CME certificate of participation. In addition, the PACES Beginning, Developing, and Advancing phases are duly accredited by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.

To register: AHS - PACES

Alberta Opioid Dependency Treatment Virtual Training (ODT) – Alberta Health Services

Learn how to support those struggling with opioid dependencies, from a healthcare provider perspective.

The Alberta Opioid Dependency Treatment (ODT) Virtual Training Program is a component of broader efforts to respond to the drug poisoning crisis in Alberta by improving the capacity of prescribers and allied health care providers involved in treating opioid use disorder.

Read The Alberta ODT Virtual Training Program Course Overview for module learning objectives and durations.

The training program is an Accredited Simulation Activity (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development.

To register: AHS – ODT Virtual

The Science of Well-Being for Teens – Yale

A course for youth on how to be happy, less stressed, and thrive during their youth and into adulthood.

A recent survey found that 37% of teens say they have poor mental health. This 6-week course aims to curb this mental health crisis by bringing together the best insights from Dr. Laurie Santos’ popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. In this course, you will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in high school and beyond. The lessons along with short weekly ‘happiness homework’ assignments will ultimately prepare you to put these scientific findings into practice. The ultimate goal is for you to feel better and build healthier habits. Parents, teachers, and other professionals supporting teenagers may also find the course beneficial.

To register: Coursera – Yale TSWBT