Continuing Education Resources

Conferences and Workshops

• The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition Continuing Education Training Days. We hold quarterly training days where we offer free workshops. This initiative was launched in response to a need expressed by individuals who use peer support skills for low-cost continuing education. However, anyone is welcome to attend. Most workshops are presented by people in recovery, in keeping with the spirit of peer support. Certificates of attendance are always provided. The training is always free. These training days are held in Mt. Gretna, PA. To request information about the next training day, contact the Coalition Coordinator.
• The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association (PMHCA) is a statewide membership organization of people who have recovered or are recovering from mental illness. PMHCA promotes and supports recovery through education individual and systems advocacy to eliminate stigma and discrimination. PMHCA provides an annual conference. PMHCA employees are also available to give trainings throughout the state, including Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator Trainings, 2 and one half day WRAP Trainings, and Advance Directive Trainings. For more information concerning the projects and trainings offered by the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association contact Pat Madigan, Director of Technical Assistance and Training 717-564-4930 x 113.
• The Pennsylvania Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PAPSRS) is an organization dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the range of services and approaches that facilitate the recovery of persons with psychiatric disabilities. PAPSRS offers an annual conference which includes workshops on recovery-oriented services as well as a networking evening specifically for Certified Peer Specialists. Some Peer Specialists also choose to obtain certification in psychiatric rehabilitation (CPRP) to advance their careers. PAPSRS offers information and test preparation courses for taking the CPRP exam in Pennsylvania.
• The National Association of Peer Specialists (NAPS), a national organization founded by peer specialists, is dedicated to making peer support a reality for all mental health systems. NAPS holds an annual conference focused on peer support.
• Drexel University's College of Medicine Behavioral Healthcare Education program provides trainings throughout Pennsylvania on mental health topics. To view the trainings they are currently offering, or to register for training, visit the online registration site.
• Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition is a resource for Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper suicide prevention training in Pennsylvania. Contact Ginny Mastrine for more information.

Training Teleconferences and Webinars

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities by promoting and sponsoring quality behavioral health services. SAMHSA's ADS Center holds regular training teleconferences. These training teleconferences are free and open to anyone. To learn more about these trainings, listen to archived trainings, or to sign up to get notified of these trainings, visit the ADS Center Web site.
• The PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) holds free lunch-and-learn training sessions every second and fourth Friday from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. These trainings are available via WebEx. The training topics include helpful information on Children and Transition Age Youth, Adults, Older Adults, and personal stories of recovery. Visit the Network of Care to view videos of past sessions. For more information call 717-787-6443.
• The Copeland Center offers WRAP® (Wellness Recovery Action Plan™) trainings. WRAP® is a self-management and recovery system developed by a group of people who had mental health difficulties and who were struggling to incorporate wellness tools and strategies into their lives. The Copeland Center also offers free webinars (online trainings) on an ongoing basis about WRAP.

Trainings

Visit the Continuing Education Trainings page on this Web site to locate continuing education training opportunities in Pennsylvania.