About Us

What is Get Trained to Help?

Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties collaborate to offer a one-stop gateway where community members can access free suicide prevention and mental health education — the Get Trained to Help Website. By leveraging resources, we can promote classes across the region and reach more people who are looking for resources for themselves or to support others.

Since 2015, over 15,000 participants who live and work in the tri-Counties have built their knowledge and skills participating in over 650 classes. People from all walks of life — teachers, counselors, veterans, first responders, family members, clergy, health care, housing, youth services, faith community members, students, social service professionals, mental health peers and more — have gained valuable skills and access to important resources.

GTTH was launched in May 2015, sponsored by Behavioral Health and Public Health programs in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. These courses have been tested, proven, and tailored to meet a broad range of unique perspectives. GTTH Trainers have received rigorous training and certification by national and international credentialing organizations. GTTH trainings are available to anyone over 18 that lives or works in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. GTTH is led by a steering committee with representation from each of the counties.

Why is it vital that you and your neighbors get trained?

You may know how to administer CPR to someone having a heart attack even without clinical training. However, you are more likely to encounter someone — a friend, work colleague, neighbor, family member, or young person — in a mental health or emotional crisis. You may find yourself in the position of being a first aid responder in that moment and it's important that you know how to help.

Did you know…?

• Mental health concerns are as common as physical health concerns.
• Nearly one in five adults suffers from a mental health concern every year in the US.
• Nearly ten million adults experience serious thoughts of suicide every year in the US.
• Suicide is preventable, however it remains a leading cause of death for seniors, adults and youth.
• Many people don't seek help because they don't know where to go, don't believe they can be helped, or fear stigma and discrimination.
• Getting help and support early is important; it can prevent more serious issues later on.
• Recovery is possible, but the journey is different for each person.

If you've found yourself with someone showing signs of emotional distress, would you know how to help? We offer an array of trainings that address situations that many of us will encounter. Once you take classes, you will join a growing number of caring community members who have learned how to help someone get the supports they need. You will be a part of a movement to decrease stigma and increase acceptance and inclusion.

Our trainings are designed for everyone 18 and over

These courses have been tested, proven, and tailored to meet a broad range of unique perspectives. At this time, the standards for the trainings offered are for those 18 years or older. Unfortunately, we do not currently have trainings available for people under 18 years of age.

Through the training, you will learn to:

• Identify, understand and respond to signs of a person in your family, at work, or in your neighborhood experiencing a mental health challenge or thoughts of suicide.
• Use actions, based in evidence, to connect those in crisis and non-crisis situations to support systems that can keep them safe and help them recover.
• Learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health concerns, substance abuse and thoughts of suicide.