Knowledge that builds resilience in our community
Crisis Connections has been a first call for help during mental health and basic needs emergencies for over 60 years. We share that experience through curated training and learning opportunities for behavioral health professionals, practicum students, community organizations, and youth in schools.
Practicum Students
Students receive 45-50 hours of training in core micro-level skills such as active listening, crisis intervention, emotional de-escalation, and suicide prevention. Students will learn how to support a diverse range of callers, including individuals experiencing acute distress, housing instability, substance use, or chronic mental health needs.
Under the supervision of clinical staff, students apply skills in empathy, communication, safety planning, and risk assessment, while also participating in group supervision, debriefs, and documentation review to strengthen their learning and professional development.
Youth Suicide Prevention
We strive to serve the emotional and physical needs of individuals across Washington state, especially our youth and our educators. Following the Washington Department of Health’s guidelines, Crisis Connections has created a suicide prevention training for middle school and high school students in Washington State and surrounding areas.
Each training educates students to recognize common warning signs, symptoms of depression, and suicidal behaviors, with an emphasis on how to support someone in need and where to go for immediate help.
Youth Substance Use Harm Prevention Training
Our Substance Use Harm Prevention Training continues our commitment to youth safety, following the model of our Suicide Prevention program. Designed for middle and high schoolers, each session explores student knowledge of drugs and alcohol, including motivations for use, common substances, and associated risks.
The training also teaches students to recognize overdose and drugging symptoms, providing actionable steps for intervention, and how to get immediate help.
