Trainings/Workshops

Mental Health First Aid Classes

Learn to recognize, understand and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use challenges in adults or young people. No clinical or mental health background is required. Classes begin with a two-hour online section, and participants receive national certification upon completion of the full course. 

Classes are offered both in-person and virtually. Please note the class type and the registration deadlines. Class sizes are limited and are offered at no cost to participants.  

Two types of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes are offered. Adult MHFA is for adults helping adults. Youth MHFA is for adults helping youth (age 12-18). Use the blue links below to register and for more information.  

  • May 12, 8:30am - 4:00pm - Adult MHFA in person at the Government Services Center - Register by May 2.
  • May 19, 8:30am - 3:00pm - Youth MHFA in person at the Government Services Center - Register by May 9. 
  • June 16, 8:30 - 3:00 - Youth MHFA virtual class - Register by June 6. 
  • June 22, 8:30 - 4:00 - Adult MHFA in person at the Government Services Center - Register by June 12. 
  • June 30, 8:30 - 4:00 - Adult MHFA virtual class - Register by June 20. 

Peer Support Expansion Initiative: Certified Peer Specialist Training (CPS)

Certified Peer Specialists are individuals with lived experience of a mental health diagnosis who earn a certification and then go on to support others who are still struggling in their recovery. Peer Support Workers are willing to share their story to foster hope and support others to achieve their dreams. 

Application due by April 1 OR when the class is full, whichever comes first.
Open to Chester County residents only.

Core Class Dates

In person class begins in June 2023 and runs from 8:30am - 4:30pm at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Rd, West Chester

Enhanced Trainings

Field Placement: Approximately 50 Hours within 7-10 weeks from August-October 2023
Group Mentoring Meetings: As assigned (Hybrid)

Chester County Peer Support Ennhanced Initiative (councilsepa.org)

From the Department of Human Services 

Free half-day trainings for families and professionals cover a wide array of topics related to mental health, substance abuse, recovery, parenting and more. Classes are scheduled throughout the year.

Question, Persuade, Refer Training (Suicide Prevention Training)

Learn to recognize a mental health crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.