IDMH offers training on a range of topics including Psychological First Aid (PFA), Disaster Mental Health, Managing Stress and Building Resilience, and Supporting Children Exposed to Trauma. In addition to these standardized curricula, we are able to develop trainings tailored to the specific needs of agencies and organizations. We regularly offer trainings designed for groups such as:  

• K-12 and higher education  

• First responder agencies 

• Government agencies 

• Mental health professionals 

• Health professionals 

• Community-based organizations and international NGOs.

DMH's area of specialties include crises, disaster, trauma, mental health, resilience, trauma-informed environments, leadership, helping skills and evidence-based practices. Trainings can be tailored for various group sizes, with exercises and different modalities for adult learners available upon request. 

Click here to request a custom training or any of the trainings below.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) 

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based modular approach to helping children, adolescents, adults and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster and other traumatic situations. PFA is designed to provide those working in disaster response roles with the necessary information to meet the immediate needs of those impacted by disasters. As an early intervention model, PFA aims to provide care in the immediate aftermath of traumatic situations to assist those who have been disaster affected start on their path to recovery.  

Managing Stress and Building Resilience 

Training in Managing Stress and Building Resilience helps individuals recognize and manage different types of stress. It distinguishes between acute, chronic, and traumatic stress, highlighting typical and extreme reactions. The program teaches workforce resilience by promoting stress management techniques and the use of Psychological First Aid (PFA) for immediate support. It also helps participants identify symptoms of PTSD and related disorders and understand available treatment options, including therapy and medication. By building resilience and awareness, this training equips individuals to handle stress effectively and support others in high-pressure situations. 

Self-Care and Personal Resilience for Educators 

With the ongoing personal and professional stressors that educators continue to face, often times our care for ourselves can take a back seat. This training will offer a framework for understanding resilience, and offer strategies for building and maintaining resilience in response to both chronic and acute stress 

Youth Mental Health First Aid  

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. To learn more, download the Mental Health First Aid for Youth one-pager.