The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association and Youth MOVE PA now offer the Certified Recovery Specialist Training!

A credential for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own substance use disorder recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, recovery specialists are able to provide a unique perspective while providing recovery support services. The CRS is not a sponsor, case manager, or a therapist but rather a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator.

Please contact us at pmhca.org to arrange a training at your location. For further details, visit the Pennsylvania Certification Boards website at Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) | Pennsylvania Certification Board (pacertboard.org)

Peer Support within the Criminal Justice System (FPS) offers a person-centered, strength-based support system offered to individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring challenges becomes involved in the justice system. This curriculum is structured based on the Sequential Intercept Model with initial contact with law enforcement all the way through re-entry into the community after release from incarceration.

What does a Forensic Peer do?

• Support people during their involvement during the criminal justice system

• Promote recovery principles including self-advocacy

• Advocate for recipients of behavioral health care when they are unable to advocate for themselves

• Educate all stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System about Mental Health Recovery

• Inspire hope through shared life experiences 

Appropriate setting for Forensic Peer Support

• Crisis Intervention Teams

• State Hospitals

• Emergency Rooms

• Jails/Prisons

• Courts/Specialty Courts

• Halfway Houses

• Mental Health Offices

• Community Settings

Time: 3-Day Training or (18 Hours)

Number of People: 25

PMHCA, in collaboration with Drexel University, has developed a comprehensive three-day training program. This course equips individuals with the skills to conduct trainings, lead meetings, and facilitate groups effectively. Participants will explore various delivery methods and best practices to ensure training success. They will also learn strategies to enhance learning, manage disruptive behaviors, and handle challenging situations during facilitation. Through interactive activities, participants will discover the roles, strengths, and key characteristics of an effective facilitator. A crucial aspect of the training is creating a safe and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. To conclude the course, participants will co-facilitate a teach-back session on a topic relevant to their peers.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss role, strengths, and characteristics of a successful peer trainer

• Review training principles, teaching processes and facilitation guidelines that promote recovery, wellbeing and growth peer education

• Identify delivery methods and best practices for training success

• Develop strategies to enhance learning, address diverting behaviors and defuse surprising moments

• Teach a topic, facilitate learning and share feedback

Time: 3-Day Training (18 Hours)

Number of People: 25

As Certified Peer Professionals, we continue our healing and recovery journey every day and this workshop allows for more growth and understanding of trauma, how it applies to us as humans, how we can apply it to our professional life, and why any of that is important.

During this workshop participants will:

• Practice sharing a personal story in a way that is sensitive to the person receiving the story

• Practice receiving a person's story that may be difficult to hear in a kind and compassionate manner 

• Understand the importance of body language while having difficult conversations

• Learn how to control body responses and verbal responses that may be harmful 

• Learn how to receive a person's story so it does not become part of vicarious trauma for the peer professional

Time: 3-Day Training or (18 Hours)

Number of People: 25

Grounded in the philosophy of peer support services and developmental theories, peers are in an ideal position to make a difference. This training targets unique and practical ways to engage and share empathic mental health support, reduce isolation, ease developmental angsts, help clarify confusions, build practical skills and pursue life roles that meet youth’s needs in the ways that matter. Individuals, in the metamorphic identity shift from youth to adult with mental health-social emotional disorders – Raising voices, choices, and supports for a personal youth-quake! This training curriculum was thoughtfully co-developed in collaboration with Drexel University. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives: Upon conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the peer -to-peer code of ethical conduct and boundaries to support positive youth development

• Define youth/young-adult growth in the context of Aces and Assets [what impacts healthy adult development and sources of strength and wellbeing

• Review guidelines, differences and strategies to offer safe and sensitive supports during crisis and emergency situations

• Examine the many facets of wellness, self-care states and strategies

• Introduce a template to welcome, engage and effectively support active participate in the recovery, resilience processes and strong adult passages  

• Develop and present an innovative 7-minute YaYA Welcoming Plan

Time: 3-Day Training (18 Hours)

Number of People: 25

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan or WRAP is a self-designed prevention and wellness tool that you can use to get well and stay well. WRAP is for anyone, most age groups, any time, and for any of life’s challenges. WRAP is listed in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. Certification is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Discover your own simple, safe wellness tools

• Develop a list of things to do every day to stay as well as possible

• Identify upsetting events, early warning signs, and signs that things have gotten much worse

• Understand wellness tools and develop action plans to respond at the proper times

• Create a crisis plan

• Create a post-crisis plan 

Time: may vary
Number of People: 20

Wrap Seminar 1 Training will be held on September 2nd and 3rd, 2025 from 9 am to 4:30 pm at our Harrisburg Office. The cost associated with this training is $300 for non-members and $270 for members. Register Here!

Advance Level Ethics for Peer Professionals was created to allow peer professionals to take a deep dive into ethics. Individuals will bring their own ethical dilemma to class to discuss in a solution-based format. A few of the topics that will be covered include ethical supervision, how culture and diversity play a part in making ethical decisions, peer responsibilities, client rights, and multiple relationships.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the core principles of professional ethics.

• To recognize and address ethical dilemmas in the workplace. To promote a culture of integrity and accountability.

• To develop skills for ethical decision-making and conflict resolution.

Time: 6.0 hours

Number of People: 25

Ethics in Special Populations is an interactive and engaging training game designed by the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association (PMHCA). This game aims to educate peer professionals on how to ethically identify and work with marginalized communities. Participants will break into groups and navigate through various scenarios, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address ethical dilemmas. The game incorporates elements such as hint cards, resource cards, and tokens to enhance the learning experience and foster a sense of community and mutual support

Learning Objectives:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Develop the ability to effectively identify members of marginalized communities and address their unique needs.

• Ethical Conduct: Learn about specialized populations to conduct actions as a peer in the most ethical way.

• Awareness of Ethical Situations: Raise awareness of ethical situations when interacting with individuals in specialized populations.

• Community and Support: Foster a sense of community and mutual support through role-play and interactive scenarios

Time: 6.0 hours

Number of People: 25

"I Didn't Die, But..." Video Screening

• This video shares the perspective of suicide attempt survivors in an honest, raw, and emotional conversation in an effort to inspire conversation about what works, what doesn't, and what can help those in need.

  • Preview of the screening: 457393BA-3AAB-4840-9818-371FB806B8F6.mov

Community Conversation

• During the video screening, we will facilitate a community conversation around suicide prevention that goes beyond counting statistics and encompasses community connections and healing.

QPR - "Question, Persuade, Refer"

• This suicide prevention curriculum can be added to the workshop in order to provide tools for attendees to help prevent suicide.

Time: 3.0 hours

This is a suicide prevention training where the participant learns to recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help appropriately. Youth MOVE PA and PMHCA provide this training to professionals and the community as an emergency mental health intervention for suicide. Certification is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide

• Know how to offer hope

• Know how to get help and save a life 

Time: 2.5 hours

Number of People: 25

QPR Training will be held on May 6th, 2025 from 9 am to 12 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

Teenagers are putting an end to mental health stigma. To do it, they’re telling their own stories – unfiltered – in the documentary film and teen-hosted podcast series OUR TURN TO TALK. From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to the impacts of racism, social media, and the pandemic, their struggles and triumphs carry a powerful message: Storytelling saves lives. In this interactive video screening, participants will critically engage with the stories and themes brought to light in this documentary through hands-on activities and group discussion.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how teens across the country are sharing their stories and speaking out about the youth mental health crisis

• Define mental health stigma and develop an understanding of its impact

• Gain knowledge of resources available to support mental wellness

Time: 1.5 hours

Number of People: 25 

"Our Turn To Talk" will be held on August 6, 2025 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

This workshop talks to attendees about what trauma is, how it can affect us throughout our lives, and what we can do about it. This will help participants feel more comfortable talking about their trauma. There is a skill-building portion which is to help attendees feel more confident in using the skills they are taught along with identifying what they already use to help organize their “trauma closet”. Along with the workshop, attendees will receive a participant packet and a bracelet included in the cost. Certification is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about trauma, triggers, trauma responses, superpowers (coping skills), resilience, and post traumatic growth

• A personal trauma story will be presented to help attendees learn about many different types of trauma

• Attendees will learn about their triggers and how to manage them

• The importance of being understanding when someone around you may be triggered

• Help attendees to understand what the Flight, Fight, and Freeze responses are, why they happen, and how to handle them

• This presentation is a different concept than most trauma trainings and we believe this new language focusing around the “trauma closet” will help attendees retain more knowledge on all of the above learning objectives. The concept of the “trauma closet” is a new way of visualizing what we do with our traumatic experiences and how to gain the tools needed to turn your “messy trauma closet” into an “organized trauma

Time: 2.5 hours (virtual) or 3 hours (in person)

Number of people:  25

Understanding Trauma: A Safe Space for Youth and Young Adults

Has anyone ever talked to you about trauma? Whether we realize it or not, trauma can affect everyone in some form or another. Often, adults do not discuss trauma with youth, or understand its lasting impact over the course of a lifetime and how to support young adults and children. This training is designed to directly address trauma with youth and young adults and provide a safe and supportive environment to promote open dialogue and discussion. We use plain language to make this complex topic easier to understand, helping to facilitate as much learning as possible. Certificate of attendance is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• What is trauma?

• How can unresolved trauma impact you now?

• How can unresolved trauma impact you as an adult?

• What can a person do to resolve their trauma?

• How can you help a friend who may be struggling?

Time: 2 hours

Number of people: 25

While suicide awareness and bullying awareness are two unique topics, research has found that bullying is a significant risk factor for suicide. While these two topics are associated in this training module, it is important to underscore that suicide is a complex behavior that is rarely attributed to one cause. The training is eligible for Act 48 credits, and certificates will be provided. All course attendees should leave this course with an understanding of the following:

Who Should Attend: Professionals employed or contracted within school-based settings.

Learning Objectives:

Part A:  Bullying Awareness

• Definition of bullying

• Differentiating cyber bullying from physical/in-person bullying

• Identify warning signs of bullying: signs of youth who are engaged in bullying, and signs of youth who are being bullied

• Overview of bullying and its impact on youth mental health and school related outcomes

• Gain a brief overview of laws and policies related to bullying that may impact school employees

• Identify resources for youth who are experiencing bullying or engaging in it

Part B; Suicide Awareness

• Gain an overview of the pervasive myths, misperceptions, and stigma surrounding suicide

• Discover how to identify youth who may be at risk of suicide

• Learn about suicide risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs

• What to consider when responding to youth who may be at risk of suicide

• Learn how to refer youth who may be at risk of suicide

• Gain a brief overview of laws and policies related to suicide awareness that may impact school employees

• Identify national, state and local crisis resources

Time: 2-3 hours

Number of People: 25

The "Life Through My Lens" Workshop was created to help people see that stigma reduction starts within. If we keep focusing on how others treat us and ignore the negative ways we talk to ourselves, stigma will always win. This workshop is focused on turning the dial toward helping ourselves by not taking that type of treatment from our own internal voice! To change how others see us, we must first change the lens through which we see ourselves | #LIFETHROUGHMYLENS 

Certificate of participation is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• What is stigma?

• What is self-stigma?

• How can we change the conversation around self-stigma?

• Learn about the "Life Through My Lens Campaign"

Time: 2 hours

Number of People: 25

• Life Through My Lens will be held on May 9th, 2025 from 1 pm - 3 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

Against the Backdrop of an Epidemic was created to invite conversation and self-exploration into stigma related to substance use disorder. Self-Stigma has prevented many individuals from accessing and even being successful in their recovery. In this workshop, we look to identify those stigmas, break down barriers, and crush self-stigma, giving individuals the tools to access their full potential in their recovery journey. Certificate of participation is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• What is stigma?

• What is self-stigma?

• How can we change the conversation around stigma related to substance use disorder?

Time: 3 hours

Number of People: 25

The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association and The Region 5 Recovery Hub now offer insights into Harm Reduction!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who use drugs? This training, based on SAMHSA's principles of harm reduction, is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to support individuals in your community effectively.

Why Attend?

• Save Lives: Gain the skills to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission.

• Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment that respects the lived experiences of people who use drugs.

• Broader Impact: Address broader health and social issues through improved policies, programs, and practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principals and history of Harm Reduction 

• Explore forms of Harm Reduction

• Explore the Future of Harm Reduction

Time: 3 hours

Number of People: 25

This comprehensive training program explores the diverse and individualized approaches to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the multiple pathways to recovery, including traditional 12-step programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), holistic therapies, and peer support networks. The course emphasizes the importance of personalized recovery plans and equips professionals with the skills to support clients in finding the most effective pathway for their unique needs. Participants will have the chance to learn various coping skills, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques, through engaging activities. Additionally, we’ll cover self-care strategies to help alleviate the stress of trauma. A certificate will be provided upon completion.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the various pathways to SUD recovery and their underlying principles.

• Learn to assess and identify the most suitable recovery pathway for different individuals. Develop skills to support clients through personalized recovery plans.

• Explore the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in SUD recovery.

• Gain insights into holistic and alternative therapies that complement traditional recovery methods.

• Enhance knowledge of peer support networks and their impact on recovery outcomes.

Time: 2 Hours

Number of People: 25

Exploring the "Stand Against Stigma" Workshop.
The "Stand Against Stigma" Workshop aims to empower youth and young adults in the fight against stigma. But what exactly is stigma? Learn how to overcome the stigmas that we encounter and discover ways to educate others on how to be more inclusive through their actions and words.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what “stigma” means

• How can stigma be damaging to ourselves?

• What can be done to fight the stigmas that exist?

• What role do I play in that fight?

Time: 3 hours

Number of People: 25

"Stand Against Stigma Workshop will be held on October 9th, 2025 from 9 am to 12 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

Discover the essential distinctions and collaborative potential between Case Management and Peer Support in this comprehensive guide. This presentation delves into the roles, responsibilities, and practical applications of both approaches. Learn how Case Management provides a structured, professional framework for coordinating services, while Peer Support offers flexible, peer-led empowerment and advocacy.

Learning Objectives:

• Define Case Management and Peer Support concepts

• Discuss Roles of each

• Highlight similarities and differences

• Discuss practical applications and integration strategies

Time: 2.0 Hours

Number of People: 25

Encouraging clinicians to see the value in Peer Support can be transformative for both clinicians and the individuals they serve. This training will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the service, along with various strategies for incorporating Peer Support into their clinical practices. By applying these methods, clinicians will gain a deeper understanding of Peer Support while highlighting the value of the service and ultimately enhance the quality of mental health care. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives: 

• What is the role of a Certified Peer Professional?

• What is appropriate to ask about a peer's mental health recovery?

• How can patients in a clinic be identified as potential matches for a peer?

• How WRAP can enhance the work therapists are already conducting with their patients.

Time: 3 Hours

Number of People: 25

This course is appropriate for anyone wanting an overview of MHADs including but not limited to persons in recovery, peers, MH professionals, community partners, case managers, hospital employees, provider agencies, etc.

Learning Objectives:

• What is a mental health advance directive (MHAD)?

• What types of directives are there?

• What information goes in an MHAD?

• What makes an MHAD valid?

• Who should MHADs be given to?

• Do health care providers have to follow all instructions

Time: 3 hours
Number of People: 25

Our "Let’s Talk About It" Bullying Awareness Curriculum aims to educate elementary-aged students and faculty on recognizing bullying, identifying warning signs, and providing support to peers in bullying situations. Students will participate in an experiential learning environment that incorporates games and activities, fostering a collaborative learning experience. The training is eligible for Act 48 credits, and certificates will be provided

Who Should Attend: This training is highly recommended for professionals working or contracted within the elementary school system, as well as for students. 

Learning Objectives:

• Students will define bullying and identify its various forms

• Students will develop an understanding of the warning signs associated with bullying

• Students will explore the different roles that children assume in bullying scenarios

• Students will engage in discussions regarding the significance of fostering a safe school community

Time: 1 hours

Number of People: 50 to 75 Students

Effective Planning for Transitional Age Youth.
Planning for transitional age youth should begin long before they reach this stage, and it's important to involve multiple parties and agencies in the process. This can be challenging, but effective communication and collaboration between agencies are essential. Our training program focuses on educating youth about the potential obstacles they may encounter during their transition into the adult system, providing strategies to overcome those obstacles, and encouraging pre-planning to prepare for this complex transition. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify barriers and challenges youth may experience when transitioning into the adult system

• Discuss interrelated domains including education, employment, housing, budgeting, and family formation

• How to plan ahead for this transition to adulthood

Time: 2.0 hours

Number of People: 25

Youth MOVE PA's Social Media Training: Promoting Positive Mental Health
Youth, young adults, and professionals can benefit from our Social Media training to become more aware of how social media can impact mental health. Our course teaches participants how to practice social media wellness, offers tips to manage excessive social media use, and identifies resources that can help reduce mental health conditions/risk factors. Certificate is provided.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn statistics related to the impact of excessive social media use

• Discuss mental health conditions/risk factors tied to social media use

• Explore tips & resources for teens and children related to excessive social media use

• Learn how to make a positive impact on social media

Time: 2 hours

Number of People: 25

Bolster Your Communication Skills with This Training for Young Adults.

If you're looking to become a better communicator, this training is specifically tailored for young people. Effective communication helps us avoid misunderstandings, forge connections, and reach personal and professional objectives. This interactive training lets you interact with other young people and practice honing your communication and active listening abilities. Additionally, the workshop covers proper etiquette, its significance, and how young adults can follow it.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different types of communication

• Learn tips to communicate effectively

• Outline etiquette in different social settings

• Practice communicating with peers

Time: 2 hours

Number of People: 25

This dynamic and empowering training is designed to cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, ethical, and resilient leaders. Through a series of interactive workshops, reflective exercises, and collaborative activities, participants will explore the core principles of leadership and discover their unique potential to make a meaningful impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduce Leadership Concepts - Help participants understand the fundamental principles of leadership and their personal potential as leaders.

• Encourage Self-Discovery – Guide participants in exploring their personal experiences and how they shape their leadership journey.

• Develop Communication Skills – Teach effective communication styles, including assertiveness, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

• Enhance Teamwork & Collaboration – Foster a sense of teamwork and inclusivity through interactive activities and group discussions.

• Promote Ethical Leadership – Educate participants on decision-making, integrity, and ethical responsibilities in leadership roles.

• Build Resilience & Adaptability – Strengthen participants' ability to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

• Empower Youth Advocacy – Provide tools for social activism, community engagement, and digital literacy to inspire positive change.

• Encourage Visionary Thinking – Guide participants in crafting a leadership vision and developing action plans for community impact.

• Strengthen Peer Support Networks – Highlight the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating a supportive leadership community.

• Inspire Long-Term Engagement – Encourage participants to continue growing as leaders and actively contribute to their communities.will co-facilitate a teach-back session on a topic relevant to their peers.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss role, strengths, and characteristics of a successful peer trainer

• Review training principles, teaching processes and facilitation guidelines that promote recovery, wellbeing and growth peer education

• Identify delivery methods and best practices for training success

• Develop strategies to enhance learning, address diverting behaviors and defuse surprising moments

• Teach a topic, facilitate learning and share feedback

Time: 6 Hours

Number of People: 25

Youth MOVE PA's youth engagement training offers a chance for participants to explore effective methods for attaining and retaining youth participants, enhance relationship-building skills with young individuals, and grasp the concept of empowering youth through the ladder of youth engagement framework. Attendees will also discover ways to establish leadership roles within their organizations and acknowledge the importance of youth engagement for both young individuals and communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore best practices for youth recruitment and retention

• Practice effective relationship building with youth and young adults

• Learn how to empower youth by utilizing the Ladder of youth engagement framework

• Identify strategies to develop leadership opportunities in your organization

• Discover the value of youth engagement for youth and communities

Time: 2.0 hours

Number of People: 25

The Start with Art Training for Certified Peer-Based Professionals is a specialized program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate art activities into peer support services. This training is particularly beneficial for those with lived experience in mental health or substance use challenges, aiming to enhance their ability to support others through creative methods.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the Benefits of Art Activities: Understand and articulate the various advantages of engaging in art activities.

• Assess Different Art Mediums: Analyze and determine the appropriate use of various art mediums.

• Discover the Benefits of Art Activities: Incorporate Art into Your WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

• Design an Art Activity: Develop and plan your own unique art activities

Time: 3.0 hours

Number of People: 25

Start with Art will be held on November 6th, 2025 from 9 am - 12 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!