Serving the State of New Mexico and El Paso County, Texas

The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) Mental Health Awareness Training program is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This program plays a crucial role in promoting mental health education, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to vital resources within the Paso del Norte region and throughout the State of New Mexico. This program is instrumental in addressing the growing need for comprehensive mental health support and awareness in our communities. The goals of this effort are to:

Reduce Stigma for Seeking and Needing Help

Stigma surrounding mental health issues can be a significant barrier to seeking help. The Mental Health Awareness Training program actively works to combat this stigma by fostering an environment where open discussions about mental health are encouraged and accepted. When individuals feel safe discussing their mental health challenges, they are more likely to seek help without fear of judgment. Breaking down these barriers can save lives by encouraging timely access to support.

Promote Mental Health Education

Mental health education is essential because it equips individuals with the knowledge and understanding they need to recognize, manage, and support mental health challenges. By offering workshops, seminars, and educational materials, the program empowers people to identify signs of mental health issues in themselves and others. This knowledge is the first step towards early intervention and seeking help when needed.

Connect People to Resources

Access to mental health resources is crucial for anyone facing mental health challenges. The program serves as a bridge between individuals in need and the resources available in the Paso del Norte region. This may include connecting individuals with therapists, support groups, crisis helplines, or community organizations. By facilitating these connections, the program ensures that individuals can access the appropriate care and support they require.

Trainings Offered

Mental Health First Aide (MHFA)

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. We will have training for both adults and for adults who serve youth. This training is offered in both Spanish and English and is available virtual, in-person, and hybrid. Free CEUs. This training offers 7.5 continuing education training credits.

Trauma Informed Care

In this 3-part training, we focus on the six basic principles or pillars of Trauma Informed Care as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) including safety, connections, and managing emotions. We explain how to use this information to accurately assess patients, improve provider-patient relationships, and understand what a trauma-informed organization is while minimizing distress and maximizing patient autonomy. Free CEUs. This training offers 2 continuing education training credits per session for a total of 6 CEUs for the entire series. Offered in English and Spanish, virtual.

Seeking Safety (SS)

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. Free CEUs. This training is a full-day training (6 training hours). Offered in Spanish and English, virtual only.

Talk Saves Lives (TSL)- An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities

TSL addresses mental health, suicide, and prevention. This is geared towards Latinx and Hispanic populations and for people who serve Latinx and Hispanic communities. Free CEU’s. This training is 90 minutes. Offered in English and Spanish.

Verbal Intervention

Verbal intervention training equips individuals with communication techniques to de-escalate conflicts, manage crises, and provide support effectively through dialogue, empathy, active listening, and non-violent communication strategies. Free CEU’s, this training is 4 hours. Offered in English and Spanish.

Breaking the Stigma-A Review of Barriers and Culturally Grounded Approaches for Serving Hispanic/Latinx Populations

In this training we explore cultural concepts of distress and values unique to Hispanic and Latinx communities, discuss the pertinence of cultural idioms of distress in mental health treatment, and review culturally appropriate approaches to working with Latinx/Hispanic clients while applying an ethical lens in rural practice. Offered in English and Spanish. Free CEU’s. This training is 90 minutes.

All classes have been approved for CEUs by NLBHA as a NAADAC approved CE provider, the NMDOH Office of Community Health Workers, and NM CBBHP.

Resources

Behavioral Resource links El Paso/Dona Ana counties

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