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PENNSYLVANIA MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS' ASSOCIATION

Advocate * Educate * Promote Recovery


Alongside the advocacy work we do, PMHCA has a selection of trainings that are outstanding. There are trainings for mental health professionals, peer professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and recovery. We pride ourselves in the creation of a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and effective. Click the links below to find out more information about the trainings offered by PMHCA. For most trainings offered, there is an in person, virtual, or hybrid ability. If you have questions about listed trainings or are interested in scheduling, please email pmhca@pmhca.org

Download PMHCA-YMPA Training Catalog

*Disclaimer*

To proceed with a training session, PMHCA/YMPA requires a minimum of 10 participants. We reserve the right to reschedule any training sessions based on the number of registrants. All registered participants will be notified of any cancellations or changes.


To see our calendar with upcoming trainings, please use the training calendar link below.

PMHCA Semi-Annual Training 2025 Calendar.pdf





Youth MOVE PA offers a comprehensive range of training and educational opportunities for youth, young adults, and the professionals who support them across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our staff members are trained as Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) and/or Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS), allowing us to share our valuable lived experiences. This expertise allows us to connect with and educate youth, young adults, and professionals on maintaining wellness and recovery, becoming trauma-informed, and incorporating hope, support, education, personal responsibility, and self-advocacy into their personal and professional lives.

Please contact us to arrange for these trainings to be accessible for you or your organization.



TRAININGS OFFERED BY YOUTH MOVE PA:

Bullying & Suicide Awareness Training

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:

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

      Bullying and Suicide Awareness Training will be held on April 2nd, 2025 from 12 pm to 3 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!

      “Let’s Talk About” Bullying Awareness

      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

      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


      Trauma for Youth & Young Adults

      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

        "Our Turn to Talk" Community Conversation

        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!


          Transitioning Into the Adult System | Transitioning & Aging Out

          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

              Transitioning into the Adult System | Transitioning & Aging Out will be held on April 22nd, 2025 from 9 am to 11 am virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!


                Social Media & It's Connection to Mental Health

                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

                  Social Media & Its Connection to Mental Health will be held on July 22nd, 2025 from 12 pm to 2 pm virtually on zoom. There are no costs associated with this class. Register Here!


                  Effective Communication: A Comprehensive Guide to Being Heard

                  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


                    "Start with Art" Workshop

                    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

                    for ages 16-29

                    Start with Art will be held on May 8th, 2025 from 10 am - 1 pm virtually on zoom. There is no cost associated with this training. Register Here!



                      PMHCA

                      PMHCA@pmhca.org

                      2551 Walnut Street

                      Harrisburg, PA 17103

                      Office Phone: 717-221-1022


                      Youth MOVE PA operates as a sister organization under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association. Learn More.Consumers' AHC

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