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Event Series: CALM

CALM Conversations

CALM Conversations

Virtual

February 17, 2026 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am CST

Register

Take the First Step Toward Suicide Prevention

Join us for a free training on Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM Conversations)—a nationally recognized, evidence-based training that equips you to support someone in crisis with knowledge, confidence, and compassion. Through interactive instruction and hands-on safety planning exercises, you’ll learn to navigate difficult conversations, reduce risk, and offer meaningful support. 

CALM Conversations offers practical tools for discussing safe storage of lethal means, like firearms or medications, during a suicidal crisis. This course empowers everyday people to have respectful, life-saving conversations that can reduce the risk of suicide by putting time and space between a person in crisis and lethal means.

What You'll Gain

  • Tools for tough conversations around suicide risk and lethal means
  • Strategies that save lives by reducing access to lethal means during times of crisis
  • Practical steps to co-create upstream safety plans

Certifications & CEUs

Upon completion, this session qualifies for continuing education units (CEUs) and professional certifications:

  • Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM): 1-year certification | 1.5 CEUs

To request your certificate and a CEU submission form for state certification, please email us after attending the training.

This Event is Open To

This event is open to individuals nationwide. This training is designed for adults who want to support youth ages 12-18, not for the youth themselves. If you're looking for training designed for teens to help their peers, Teen MHFA is available for ages 9-18. Eligibility varies by session. View our event calendar for details on other offerings.

About Suicide Prevention Training

Suicide prevention trainings help prepare individuals to respond to someone in crisis. You'll learn how to recognize risk, offer support, and take meaningful steps to keep someone safe. Download our Suicide Prevention Toolkit for practical tools, resources, and guidance to support someone in crisis.

Learn More
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Take the First Step Toward Suicide Prevention–Sign up Today!

Looking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for individualized support. For more resources and updates, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter. Questions or concerns? We’re here to help at vsn@austin.utexas.edu. 

Frequently Asked Questions

This training is designed for adults who want to learn how to support youth (ages 12-18) experiencing mental health challenges, not for youth themselves.

No, you’ll need to complete the required pre-course work before attending the live session. This self-paced portion is essential to help you get the most out of the training and come prepared to fully participate.

No, MHFA Instructors and First Aiders do not diagnose or provide therapy. Only licensed professionals can diagnose. Their role is to recognize signs, offer support, and connect people to appropriate help. MHFA is not a replacement for professional care.

To receive your certificate of completion and a CEU submission form for state certification, please email us after completing the full training. You’ll be responsible for submitting the form to your state or licensing board for CEU credit approval.

For the best experience, we recommend completing all pre-course work before the session, joining from a quiet, distraction-free space and arriving on time, as participants who join more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted. Be sure to have your Zoom link ready from your confirmation email.

You must register at least 72 hours before an event. Most programs are ongoing series with multiple dates. Please check our calendar for upcoming sessions.

No, all events are completely free to attend. We are a grant-based program and believe in removing barriers to connection and support and are proud to offer these sessions at no cost to our community.

No—VSN is based at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness, but we are a nationwide network open to any military-connected individuals in the US and beyond.

Related Events

Modalities

Virtual

Session Types

Training

Eligibility

Spouse/Partner of a Service Member, Family Member/Caregiver of a Service Member/Veteran, Divorcee of a Service Member/Veteran, Widow/Widower of a Service Member/Veteran, Provider/Supporter, Spouse/Partner of a Veteran and Service Member/Veteran