Word tiles spelling out Mental Health Matters

mental health trainings

Mental health challenges can affect anyone. Knowing how to respond can make a meaningful difference.

Mental Health Training

Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) offers free mental health training sessions to help Wisconsin residents recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond during moments of crisis, and connect people to appropriate care.

These trainings are available virtually or in person and can be offered to individuals, organizations, and groups across Wisconsin. CAC currently offers QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mental Health First Aid – Adult, and Mental Health First Aid – Youth.

Trainings Currently Offered by CAC

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer

QPR teaches participants three practical steps to help prevent suicide: Question, Persuade, and Refer.

This training helps participants recognize warning signs, start supportive conversations, and refer someone to appropriate help.

Psychological First Aid

Psychological First Aid is an intervention model for working with disaster survivors in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. It focuses on approaches to self-care during an emergency and is designed to reduce the initial distress & to foster adaptive functioning. This session focuses on assisting families experiencing homelessness.

Mental Health First Aid – Adult

Mental Health First Aid – Adult teaches participants how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older. Participants learn how to offer initial support and guide someone toward appropriate care when needed.

Mental Health First Aid – Youth

Mental Health First Aid – Youth is designed for adults who support young people, including parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring community members.

This training teaches participants how to help an adolescent, ages 12 to 18, who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis.

Who Can Participate?

These free trainings are available to Wisconsin residents only.

Training sessions may be especially helpful for employees and volunteers of:

  • Public health organizations
  • Human services agencies
  • Emergency services
  • Community Action Programs, including CAC
  • Schools and school districts
  • Community-based organizations
  • Faith communities
  • Volunteer groups
  • Anyone interested in supporting mental health in their community
a bunch of hands together

Upcoming Trainings

CAC periodically offers free public training sessions. Space may be limited, and registration may be required.

View upcoming trainings and register:

Psychological First Aid Training (Online/virtual)

October 23 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Psychological First Aid Training (Online/virtual)

November 11 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Psychological First Aid Training (Online/virtual)

December 11 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Schedule a Training

CAC can provide mental health training sessions virtually or in person. Private training sessions may also be available for groups.

To ask questions, request email announcements about upcoming trainings, or schedule a private training session, please contact:

Tricia Meinholz
Community Health Coordinator, CAC
triciam@cacscw.org
(608) 225-8281

You can also follow CAC on Facebook at @CACSCW for updates about upcoming training opportunities.

Thank You to Our Funders

CAC’s mental health training opportunities are made possible with support from the Otto Bremer Trust and WISCAP. Their funding helps CAC provide free, accessible training that strengthens mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and crisis response throughout Wisconsin.

In Crisis?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24/7.