Mental Health Training for Corrections Professionals
Corrections work is tough on mental health. Officers face higher rates of PTSD, substance use and suicide. Give your staff the tools to cope, avoid burnout and communicate better.
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Our Training for Mental Health in Corrections
Corrections officers report high levels of burnout and post-traumatic stress, but many don’t ask for help. Their jobs are demanding and often dangerous. They need help to support themselves, their peers and those in custody. That’s where our evidence-based, nationally recognized training comes in.
Improve Wellbeing and Prevent Burnout
In our training, officers learn strategies to deal with stressful situations that often contribute to burnout.
Build Trusting Relationships
Facility conditions, violence and breakdown of trust can lead to increased stress and anxiety. With MHFA, officers can learn to approach others with empathy and professionalism.
Reduce Stigma and Unfair Treatment
Our training breaks down stigma to increase compassion and respect at your facility.
Increase Mental Health Literacy
Most corrections officers aren’t trained to work with people with mental illness. Learn the signs and symptoms of depression, PTSD, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Step in With an Effective Plan
Corrections officers are more likely to die by suicide than all other law enforcement professionals. Learn our MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) so you know what to do when someone shows the signs.
Support Recovery
Our training teaches that recovery is possible. It helps improve everyone’s mental wellbeing.
Who Should Take MHFA?
- Corrections officers
- Health care workers
- Chaplains
- Admin staff in HR, accounting, etc.
- Corrections management (e.g., captains, lieutenants, corporals, sergeants)
- Food service staff
What You Learn
In this full-day training, you’ll learn how to address mental health and substance use challenges in corrections facilities. The training covers anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide, addiction and more. You’ll be able to:
- Understand the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of corrections professionals.
- Know the risk and protective factors for this group.
- Explain and use the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in scenarios designed for corrections.
- Address stigma and explain that recovery is possible.
- Ensure safety and privacy during conversations.
- Choose methods for self-care for yourself and others.
Lt. Virgil Meyer
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
“I wish that every corrections officer could receive Mental Health First Aid training. I believe that our corrections system would be better because of it – the inmates would benefit, the officers would benefit and ultimately our communities would benefit”
Read more about Virgil’s experience being a Mental Health First Aider.
