Trainings

Trainings for your 988 Team

Custom Training Creations available or choose from a menu:

• Peeling the Onion: How to Assess for Suicide

  • This training equips 988 counselors with advanced assessment skills tailored to uncovering the depth and nuance of suicidal ideation. Participants will learn how to ask layered and empathy-driven questions, identify risk factors, and assess protective factors effectively. Through real-world scenarios and guided demonstrations, this session enhances counselors’ ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate support during high-stakes conversations.

• I'm Done. Reading Between the Lines

  • Understanding indirect expressions of distress is critical in crisis intervention. This session trains counselors to recognize subtle cues, both verbal and nonverbal, that indicate suicidal intent or emotional despair. By focusing on active listening and context interpretation, participants will build confidence in identifying hidden messages and responding effectively.

• Safety Planning

  • A core component of crisis intervention, this training focuses on collaboratively developing safety plans with callers. Counselors will learn step-by-step techniques to guide individuals in identifying coping strategies, safe spaces, and trusted support systems. Practical exercises will ensure participants can create actionable, personalized plans that empower callers to prioritize their safety.

• How to Talk About Coping Mechanisms

  • This session explores strategies for discussing coping mechanisms with callers in a way that feels accessible, nonjudgmental, and supportive. Counselors will learn how to introduce healthy strategies, validate existing efforts, and encourage the development of new tools for managing emotional distress. Real-world examples and role-playing exercises will help solidify these skills.

• Calls vs. Chat vs. Text

  • 988 interactions occur across multiple platforms, and each medium requires a unique approach. This training explores the nuances of voice, written text, and chat interactions. Counselors will learn best practices for tailoring their tone, language, and engagement strategies to meet the unique needs of each communication channel.

• I Can't Be Empathetic to That

  • This session addresses the challenge of maintaining empathy during triggering or difficult calls. Participants will explore techniques to manage their own emotional responses, maintain professionalism, and build trust even in the face of challenging personal values or experiences. Case studies and role-playing will provide actionable tools for navigating these moments with compassion.

• Active Listening for All

  • Active listening is the cornerstone of every 988 interaction. This training provides a deep dive into the techniques that foster trust, validate emotions, and create a sense of safety for callers. Participants will leave with practical tools to elevate their listening skills, ensuring every caller feels heard and supported.

• Best Practices to Connect to 211s

  • 988 and 211 services often overlap, and understanding how to bridge these resources is vital. This training focuses on effectively transitioning callers to 211 services when appropriate. Participants will learn to communicate the value of 211 support, provide seamless handoffs, and ensure callers feel confident and supported during the referral process.

• Wrap it Up!

  • Closing a crisis call effectively requires skill and sensitivity. This training teaches counselors how to conclude conversations in a way that reinforces the caller’s safety and ensures they feel supported. Participants will learn techniques for summarizing action steps, setting expectations, and leaving callers with a sense of hope and direction.

• Is That a Prank Caller?

  • Navigating potential prank calls while maintaining professionalism is a common challenge. This session provides tools to identify prank callers, respond appropriately, and de-escalate situations without compromising emotional well-being or the integrity of the service.

• Navigating Active/Frequent Callers

  • Frequent callers present unique challenges in maintaining boundaries and equitability in service. This training equips counselors with strategies for recognizing patterns of dependency, setting expectations, and providing compassionate support while preserving the center’s capacity to help all callers.

• How to Creatively Dispatch

  • When engaging emergency services or other resources, creative problem-solving can make all the difference. This training focuses on innovative approaches to dispatching support that respects caller autonomy while prioritizing their safety. Participants will learn techniques for navigating complex situations and ensuring the best outcomes for callers in crisis.

 

• Something Else? Reach out to us and we can create custom trainings to meet the needs of your team.