Peer Support Academy

Enroll in high-quality, nationally-recognized training programs through our partnership with the Public Safety Peer Support Academy!

LIVE VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON TRAINING & ON-DEMAND PROGRAMS

Obtain a certificate of completion in courses from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, or keep your Critical Incident Stress Management skills sharp or receive an introduction to CISM techniques with these LIVE training programs offered both in person or via Zoom! Each session will be conducted by David R. Edwards, PhD, CCISM, CTSS* – an Approved Instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation as well as a Certified Trauma Services Specialist. List of topics are included below:

BASIC ACADEMY (3 days)

  • Assisting Individuals in Crisis*
  • Group Crisis Intervention*

Upon completion, participants are eligible to take the certification examination offered by the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (additional fees apply).

*This training is the ONLY training that meets the requirements of MCL 333.20982 to provide for confidentiality of communications between emergency services personnel and members of a peer support or critical incident stress management team in Michigan.  Other states may have requirements that vary. 

ADVANCED ACADEMY (4 days)

  • Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis
  • Crisis-Informed Peer Para-Counseling

Upon completion, participants are eligible to take the certification examination offered by the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (additional fees apply).

CHAPLAIN ACADEMY (4 days)

  • First Responder Chaplain Basic Training
  • Pastoral Crisis Intervention

Upon completion, participants are eligible for credentialing and membership in the Association of Public Safety Chaplains (additional fees apply).

WEEKEND ACADEMY (Friday Night & Saturday Morning)

  • The Secrets of Psychological Body Armor: Holistic Wellness for Emergency Services and Healthcare Professions
  • Resilient Leadership for Emergency Services and Healthcare Professions
  • Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders
  • De-escalation Skills for the Front Line
  • Foundations of Chaplaincy

PEER SUPPORT SKILL BUILDING COURSES (1 hr. each or 1 full day)

  • Breaking Down the Six Core Elements of CISM
  • Differentiating Between Distress and Dysfunction
  • Overview of Strategic Planning in Crisis Intervention
  • Practical Application of Informational Group Processes
  • Practical Application of Interactive Group Processes
  • Practical Application of the SAFER-R Model
  • Self-Care Strategies for CISM Providers
  • Why Every CISM Team Needs a Chaplain

ADDITIONAL LIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS

  • Adult Mental Health First Aid
  • Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS
  • Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety
  • QPR Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention

ON-DEMAND TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR COMMAND STAFF

  • Introduction to Critical Incident Stress Management for Agency Leaders
  • Leading in a Culture of Wellness
  • Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Command Staff

ON-DEMAND TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ALL PERSONNEL

  • Breaking the Stigma of Mental Wellness in Emergency Services
  • Character Matters: Building Resilience through Personal Integrity
  • Confronting the Issue of Suicide in Emergency Services
  • First Responder Chaplain Basic Training
  • First Responder Stress: A Family Affair
  • Perception Matters: Becoming a Resilient Responder
  • Suicide Awareness and Prevention (Call for Backup®)
  • The 8 Pillars of Wellness
  • When Helping Them is Hurting You
  • When Tension Becomes Toxic

ON-DEMAND CISM INTRODUCTION AND REFRESHER TRAINING

  • Breaking Down the Six Core Elements of CISM
  • Differentiating Between Distress and Dysfunction
  • Overview of Strategic Planning in Crisis Intervention
  • Practical Application of Informational Group Processes
  • Practical Application of Interactive Group Processes
  • Practical Application of the SAFER-R Model
  • Self-Care Strategies for CISM Providers
  • Why Every CISM Team Needs a Chaplain

All courses are registered with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Continuing education credit for other professions may also be available. Inquire by completing the contact form

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE PUBLIC SAFETY PEER SUPPORT ACADEMY