Training & Professional Development

Building Skills. Strengthening Resilience. Supporting Those Who Serve.

Atlas Counseling provides specialized crisis intervention training and professional development designed to strengthen crisis response skills, promote psychological wellness, and support individuals and organizations working in high-stress environments. Our training opportunities emphasize evidence-informed practices, practical application, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting individuals and groups following critical incidents. Trainings are primarily designed for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, dispatch, corrections, healthcare, mental health providers, search and rescue groups, peer support teams, military personnel, and community organizations.

Training options involving mental health, wellness, crisis response, suicide prevention, behavioral health ethics, and clinically focused topics are available to be tailored to a variety of groups for psychoeducation and occupational.

Group coaching sessions are available for hourly or full-day options, which can be specifically designed for your agency, please reach out to Atlas Counseling to discuss potential options.

Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Early Psychological Support Following Crisis and Trauma

Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed approach to providing immediate emotional and practical support following stressful or traumatic events. This training introduces foundational strategies for recognizing psychological distress, promoting safety and stabilization, and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Recognize common psychological, emotional, and behavioral reactions following crisis or trauma.
• Describe the core principles and actions of Psychological First Aid.
• Apply supportive communication and practical stabilization strategies.
• Identify immediate needs, protective factors, and available support systems.
• Recognize when additional mental health services or referrals may be necessary.

ICISF – Assisting Individuals in Crisis
Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support

This course introduces the foundational principles and techniques of individual psychological crisis intervention within the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) framework. Participants will develop skills in crisis communication, recognizing psychological distress, and applying structured intervention strategies to support individuals following critical incidents. Meets Minnesota Statute: 181.9732 Critical Incident Stress Management requirements. www.icisf.org

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Explain psychological crisis, crisis intervention, and the principles of CISM.
• Identify common psychological and behavioral reactions to critical incidents.
• Describe the resistance, resilience, and recovery continuum.
• Demonstrate basic crisis communication and supportive intervention techniques.
• Apply the SAFER-Revised model of individual crisis intervention.
• Recognize suicide-related concerns, intervention limitations, and appropriate referral needs.

ICISF – Group Crisis Intervention
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

This course introduces structured group crisis intervention techniques within the ICISF CISM framework. Participants will explore the principles of crisis intervention, group responses to critical incidents, and strategies for providing organized psychological support to individuals and teams exposed to stressful or traumatic events. Meets Minnesota Statute: 181.9732 Critical Incident Stress Management requirements. www.icisf.org

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the principles and components of Critical Incident Stress Management.
• Recognize common psychological and behavioral responses to critical incidents.
• Identify appropriate applications of group crisis intervention strategies.
• Explain the purpose and structure of Rest, Information, Transition, Services (RITS) group intervention, Defusings, Crisis Management Briefings (CMB), and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD).
• Apply foundational group intervention skills through discussion and practical exercises.
• Recognize the importance of follow-up support, referrals, and ongoing wellness resources. www.icisf.org

ICISF – Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention
Combined Three-Day Training

This comprehensive three-day course combines the foundational elements of individual and group crisis intervention within the ICISF Critical Incident Stress Management framework. Participants will develop an understanding of psychological crisis responses, individual crisis intervention techniques, and structured group interventions. The combined curriculum emphasizes practical skills, appropriate intervention selection, and the integration of crisis support strategies for individuals, teams, and organizations. This training is beneficial for professionals developing or strengthening peer support programs, CISM teams, and organizational crisis response capabilities. Meets Minnesota Statute: 181.9732 Critical Incident Stress Management requirements.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Explain the foundational principles of psychological crisis intervention and CISM.
• Recognize psychological, behavioral, and organizational responses to critical incidents.
• Apply crisis communication strategies and the SAFER-Revised model of individual intervention.
• Describe and demonstrate the purpose and structure of Rest, Information, Transition, Services (RITS) group intervention, Defusings, Crisis Management Briefings (CMB), and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD).
• Identify appropriate individual and group interventions based on incident circumstances and participant needs.
• Recognize suicide-related concerns, intervention risks, and appropriate follow-up and referral practices.
• Integrate individual and group crisis intervention strategies into a comprehensive crisis response approach.

ICISF Curriculum Alignment
The official ICISF curriculum identifies the following course durations:

Course	ICISF duration
Assisting Individuals in Crisis	2 days / 13 contact hours
Group Crisis Intervention	2 days / 14 contact hours
Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention (GRIN) *Coming Soon	3 days / 27 contact hours

QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer

QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is an evidence-informed suicide prevention training designed to help individuals recognize warning signs of suicide, respond with confidence, and connect individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress with appropriate support and resources. Similar to CPR, QPR provides practical, potentially lifesaving skills that can be used by anyone, regardless of professional background or prior mental health training. Participants learn how to recognize suicide warning signs, initiate supportive conversations, encourage help-seeking, and make appropriate referrals. www.qprinstitute.com This training is beneficial for first responders, healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, workplace teams, and individuals interested in strengthening suicide prevention awareness and intervention skills.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Recognize common warning signs, risk factors, and verbal or behavioral indicators of suicide.
• Explain the three foundational steps of QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer.
• Demonstrate strategies for asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide.
• Apply supportive communication techniques to encourage individuals to seek assistance.
• Identify appropriate crisis resources, referral pathways, and immediate support options.
• Recognize the importance of early intervention, connection, and community involvement in suicide prevention.

Interested in bringing crisis intervention training to your organization?
Training Format, Cost & Scheduling

Atlas Counseling offers training opportunities for agencies, organizations, professional groups, and multidisciplinary teams. Courses incorporate structured instruction, facilitated discussion, practical exercises, and scenario-based learning to support the application of skills in real-world settings.

Training Format

• In-person training at agency or organizational locations.
• Group and organizational training opportunities.
• Interactive instruction, discussion, and practical application.
• Course duration and instructional requirements consistent with applicable curricula.

Cost

Training fees are determined based on the number of participants, course selection, location, travel requirements, and organizational needs. Group pricing and customized training proposals are available upon request.

Scheduling

Training dates and availability are coordinated directly with requesting agencies and organizations. Advance scheduling is encouraged to accommodate instructional requirements, participant numbers, and travel arrangements.