Montana Crisis Response Training
No-Cost. Self-paced. Built for Montana.
Whether you are new to this work or a seasoned responder, the Montana Crisis Now Training gives you the tools, shared language and practical knowledge to serve Montana communities. Enrollment Opens July 13.
Built by Montana Crisis Responders, for Montana Crisis Responders
Developed in partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the University of Montana as part of the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations initiative. This training was co-created with input from more than 20 Montana crisis responders, behavioral health professionals and community partners. Their expertise informed the scenarios, tools and strategies, ensuring the content reflects the unique needs and realities of Montana communities.
Expand Your Crisis Toolkit
- Learn the Crisis Now model, adapted for Montana's communities and crisis systems.
- Develop trauma-informed, person-centered practices that improve outcomes for the people you serve.
- Engage with real-world scenarios that reflect the realities of crisis response across our state — from urban centers to remote and Tribal communities.
Connect Across Montana's Crisis System
- Build shared language with Crisis Now partners statewide.
- Learn proven practices from colleagues working across Montana's diverse communities.
- Learn from and alongside experts doing the work on the ground.
Strengthen Your Resilience
- Prevent burnout with evidence-based wellness strategies woven throughout the training.
- Connect with other crisis professionals across Montana.
- Earn a University of Montana Certificate of Completion in Crisis Now to advance your career.
Six Core Modules Built for Busy Responders
Complete comprehensive training over several months through self-paced online learning and live coaching sessions. No travel required.
Step 1: Work through six online modules at your own pace.
The modules cover the full arc of crisis response work — from the Crisis Now framework and de-escalation skills to documentation, ethics and worker wellness. Each module includes multiple lessons, and each lesson requires approximately one hour. You can complete the training at your convenience within 120 days.
Step 2: Join live, expert-led coaching sessions.
Attend at least six live Zoom sessions led by Montana subject-matter experts. Sessions are available Tuesdays from 9–10:30 a.m. MST and Thursdays from 2–3:30 p.m. MST.
Step 3: Earn your certificate.
Upon successful completion, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Montana.
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In Montana, many people respond to crisis who may not fit cleanly into the Crisis Now model. If you find yourself responding to behavioral health crises, this training is for you.
- Mobile crisis teams
- Crisis receiving and stabilization center teams
- 988 call center staff
- Crisis call center staff
- Community partners supporting people through crisis and ongoing care
- EMTs
- Law Enforcement teams
- Community health workers, peer support specialists, case managers, social workers, educators and other helping professionals are welcome to participate. While the training is open to a broad audience, much of the content is tailored to crisis responders.
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- Enroll now in the self-guided, online lessons. 20 flexible on-demand lessons
- Attend six live sessions. Complete within 120 days of enrollment.
- Continue to join optional live sessions. You never lose access.
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To access live session you must first be enrolled in the course.
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All live learning sessions will be held on Zoom. To access the live session you will be given a link upon registration for the course.
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As soon as we verify that all course work has been completed and live sessions attended, you will be able to access a section in Canvas that is label Certificate of Completion.
Ready to Strengthen Your Crisis Response Skills?
Join Montana behavioral health professionals who are building stronger crisis services across our state.Upcoming Live Sessions
Available exclusively to enrolled participants.
| Date | Topic | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 7/23/2026, 2 - 3:30 pm | Family Engagement and Systems Navigation | Brittany Blair, LBSW & MPA |
| 8/4/2026, 9 - 10:30 am | Real-Time De-Escalation | Kelly Miller, BRIDGE CRT Manager for the City of Livingston |
| 8/20/2026, 2 - 3:30 pm | Psychosis and Altered Reality | Jordan Hendrickson, PhysD, Partnership Health Center Mobile Crisis Responder |
| 9/1/2026, 9 - 10:30 am | Safety Planning and Level of Care | Hillary Basten, Bozeman Health |
| 9/17/2026, 2 - 3:30 pm | Suicide Risk and Assessment | Lindsay Walter, M.Ed, LCPC, ACLC, St. Peter's Hospital Behavioral Health Professional |