Foundational Training for Clinicians
Working with First Responders
Shield is an eight-hour training session that equips clinicians with critical knowledge, cultural fluency, and practical tools to ethically and effectively support first responders. The course emphasizes a trauma-informed, system-sensitive approach that respects the unique culture of first responder groups while addressing individual and systemic barriers to wellness. Through lecture, discussion, case study, and a first-responder panel, clinicians deepen their understanding of responder subcultures, peer support structures, and the realities of working with departments, unions, and multidisciplinary teams. Topics include clinical considerations for confidentiality and mandated reporting, navigating stigma, addressing substance abuse, and working with first-responder families. Shield training is led by Dr. Stacy Cecchet, a licensed and board-certified psychologist.
Download our Shield flyer for more information, including a registration link to upcoming training sessions.
Shield training dates:
November 19, 2025 | Vancouver Police Department
January 9, 2026 | South County Fire HQ
April 28, 2026 | Seattle Fire Department Joint Training Facility
May 15, 2026 | Spokane Police Department
Poise is a 40-hour certificate program with an innovative skills-building curriculum designed for frontline responders who work on collaborative emergency, crisis response and follow-up teams. The program, which includes a series of e-learning modules and online webinars featuring real-world scenarios, culminates in a dynamic, two-day advanced-skills practice course. The training outlines a roadmap to care, using highly effective evidence-based brief interventions, for the most vulnerable community members. In 2025–2026, Poise will be offered in three BHASO regions across the state. Those who complete 40 hours of Poise training are eligible for 35 CEUs. The Suicide Prevention Module is approved for licensure renewal by the Washington State Department of Health for masters-level clinicians.
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. The course is 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.
Download our printable postcard with resources that can be shared with individuals or families in crisis.
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. Find more resources for firefighters and emergency medical services with this information sheet.
Read about the impact we’re making in our First Year Report on Coast training.
CCIS Edge classes open for registration
The Washington State Health Care Authority is offering classes in CCIS Edge—an advanced approach to crisis de-escalation—for Washington state-based field responders including mobile crisis, co-response and alternative response teams. See the linked flyer for more information about the course and how to register.