Education & Training

The Mental Health Association of Westchester is proud to offer an array of educational opportunities and services for the professional and non-professional communities on topics such as behavioral health, evidence-based behavioral health practices, suicide prevention, peer services and the New York State-certified course on Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect. New York State Continuing Education Hours for licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are also available for certain courses.

Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Intervention Training

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and safeTALK are both appropriate for all members of the community regardless of prior experience or training. They share the premise that most people who have thoughts of suicide are struggling with pain in their lives, and that through their words and actions, invite help to stay alive. ASIST is also appropriate for professionals of all disciplines to enhance their skills.

A three-hour workshop, safeTALK teaches participants to become suicide-alert helpers and offers three New York State Continuing Education Hours. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training teaches intervention skills in a two-day workshop.

For both trainings, New York State Continuing Education Hours are available for Licensed Social Workers and Mental Health Counselors. Detailed are provided on registration material.

For information about upcoming safeTALK and ASIST workshops, please contact Chuck Rosenow at 914-345-5900, ext. 7500 or rosenowc@mhawestchester.org

Peer Specialist Training

At MHA, we know that peer support can be an invaluable tool for recovery. Through our Peer Specialist Training program, we offer a path toward employment for people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Course Overview
The training provides knowledge about the recovery process and teaches peer support, engagement, and reflective listening skills. As they learn to master the "how to" aspect of peer support, participants will engage in a variety of activities, including role-playing exercises, handouts, homework assignments, and facilitated discussion. Course topics include:

Principles of recovery
Self-care
Motivational interviewing
WRAP planning
Working within a human services agency

In addition to classroom training, MHA helps arrange a required 100-hour supervised workplace experience placement.

Goals
Participants will gain foundational skills to provide peer support in both traditional and peer-run behavioral health settings. The MHA Peer Specialist training prepares individuals to take necessary exams for New York certifications. Following the training and workplace experience, participants are encouraged to pursue the New York State Peer Specialists and New York State Certified Recovery Peer Advocates certifications. Our computer lab provides access to the online courses required for credentialing.

The summer 2023 class cycle will meet online from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from May 8th through August 4th. Application and ALL supplemental materials are due no later than Friday, April 9th, 2023. Interviews will take place online during April, so you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible before the class reaches full capacity. All Applicants will be notified by April 21st.

Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:

be 18 years old or older, have a mental health diagnosis, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent
intend to complete OR have completed some or all of the Academy of Peer Services core courses
commit to availability for Summer 2023 class meeting times/dates
have access to a PC, laptop, or tablet with stable internet access

Click HERE for the link to application.

For any questions or for more information, please contact Peer Training Coordinator AnnMarie Wilhelm at 914-966-9101 or WilhelmA@mhawestchester.org.

Learn more about the vital role of peer support:

New York State Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

MHA is certified by New York State to offer the Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment course required for mandated reporters of child abuse.

A list of disciplines designated as Mandated Reporters is found on the NYS Mandated Reporter website.

For more information, please contact Chuck Rosenow at 914-345-5900, ext. 7500 or rosenowc@mhawestchester.org. Click here to view our Registration Form.

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Training

At MHA, we know that peer support can be an invaluable tool for wellness. Through our Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) training, we offer a path toward employment for people with lived experience of recovery. The peer recovery professional bridges the gap between clinical prevention-treatment providers and relevant multi-dimensional resources in the community. This connection is achieved through purposeful conversations using role modeling, motivating, problem solving, resourcing etc. Through two unique course components, participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about the recovery process and learn how to offer peer support.

More information about the availability of this training to come in the near future.

For more information, please contact Dwayne Mayes, Program Director at mayesd@mhawesthester.org or 914-265-0605.

NYS Continuing Education

MHA offers a variety of courses relevant to the professional development of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), for which New York State Continuing Education Hours are available.

For information about trainings and available CEUs, please contact Chuck Rosenow at 914-345-5900, ext. 7500 or rosenowc@mhawestchester.org.

Internship Training Program

The MHA Internship Training Program provides professional behavioral health experiences for students at the graduate level prior to licensure. Interns participate in training seminars, supervision, staff meetings and client-related service delivery activities.

For additional information and applications, please contact Simone Felix at 914-345-5900, ext. 7502.