Event Series:
Mental Health First Aid & CALM Conversations
Mental Health First Aid & CALM Conversations
Take the First Step Toward Suicide Prevention
Join us for a free, full-day training on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM Conversations)—two nationally recognized, evidence-based trainings that equip 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. The training covers common mental health and substance use challenges in adults—such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders—and introduces a practical 5-step action plan to guide your response in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
About Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges using a 5-step action plan (ALGEE) to guide you through how to assess risk, listen without judgment, and connect someone to professional help. MHFA helps you build the confidence to step in when someone may be struggling. Scenarios and exercises make the learning practical, so you leave ready to help in real-life situations.
About Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM Conversations)
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
Certifications & CEUs
Upon completion, this session qualifies for continuing education units (CEUs) and professional certifications:
To request your certificate and a CEU submission form for state certification, please email us after attending the training.
Please note: This training includes 2 hours of required self-paced pre-course work prior to the live session.
This Event is Open To
This event is open to individuals nationwide. 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.
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.
