Training Opportunities

BHCore is committed to providing frontline responders with high quality, evidence-based training that addresses the challenges they face every day. With the expertise of Washington-based and nationally renowned subject-matter experts, we have developed three training programs:

Poise is a 40-hour basic training academy for co-response and alternative response teams operating within the emergency response system in Washington state. The training prepares teams to provide enhanced crisis response, outreach, and follow-up services. On completion of the basic training, participants receive a certificate, which qualifies them for advanced professional development opportunities such as case consultation. Beginning in 2025, Poise will be offered quarterly in four locations across the state.

Save the date for these upcoming training events:

  • Southwest | Great Rivers | Greater Columbia BH-ASOs: March 10–14, 2025
  • North Sound BH-ASO: March 31–April 4, 2025
  • King County BH-ASO: April 14–18, 2025

Suicide Prevention Strategies

Asking is Caring: Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement is a four-hour training developed for Washington state law enforcement officers in partnership with the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission. The training is designed to enhance suicide prevention understanding within the law enforcement community by identifying risk factors and introducing strategies for improved mental health. Asking is Caring is a four-hour training block in the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), and officers must be enrolled in CIT to register for Asking is Caring. Beginning in 2025, the course will be offered to law enforcement agencies within and outside of the state. There is also a two-hour version of the course focused on peer-to-peer suicide prevention to address the reality that we lose one first responder to suicide per month in Washington State.

Save the date for the Training of Trainers: February 28th, 2025

Please download our new printable post-card for individuals or families in crisis here.

A Roadmap for Fire/EMS Responding
to Behavioral Health Calls

Coast is an eight-hour basic behavioral health training for fire and emergency medical services. Washington state is a leader in promoting and requiring crisis intervention for police officers, but this is the first training designed specifically for fire departments and EMS in our state. The goal is to enhance skills required in crisis response, improve understanding of behavioral health signs and symptoms, and map out effective follow-up services. Beginning in 2025, Coast will be offered quarterly in four locations across the state.

Seattle Times coverage of January 2025 training of trainers.

For more information about resources for firefighters and EMS, download this information sheet.

New and comprehensive suicide-prevention resource guide

Did you know that, on average, a first responder dies by suicide every month in Washington state?

BHCore, in conjunction with the Criminal Justice Training Commission of Washington, has published the first comprehensive resource guide to suicide prevention for first responders, law enforcement and military personnel in our state. Please download the guide, share it with key leaders and post it to your website.

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