Approved Instructor Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Crisis Intervention is NOT Psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. This program is the second in a two course series entitled Assisting Individuals in Crisis Intervention. The program is designed to teach crisis interventions it applies to assisting individuals in crisis, one person at a time. It does not teach group crisis intervention; although some of the skill sets contained herein are certainly applicable to group intervention. This program will teach advanced scenario-based crisis intervention techniques based upon an understanding of the basic crisis intervention concepts, principles, and tactics taught in the first assisting individuals in crisis program.

Program Highlights:

  • natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
  • nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
  • empathic communication techniques
  • practice of psychological triage
  • SAFER-Revised model of individual psychological crisis intervention in s suicide scenario
  • SAFER-Revised model of individual psychological crisis intervention in a “follow-up” or referral scenario
  • risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks
  • principles of self-care

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for participation in the Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis class. (A copy of your certificate of completion is required to accompany the application).
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support) and Group Crisis Intervention
  • Have taught no less than three Assisting Individuals in Crisis courses with good student evaluations.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Active membership on a crisis intervention team
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Designed to provide participants with the latest information on critical incident stress management techniques and post-trauma syndromes, the Advanced Group Crisis Intervention builds on the knowledge base which was obtained through the Group Crisis Intervention program and/or in publications. At the conclusion of this course, participants will have been exposed to specific, proven strategies to intervene with those suffering the ill effects of their exposure to trauma. Emphasis will be on advanced defusings and debriefings in complex situations.

This course is designed for EAP, human resources and public safety personnel, mental health professionals, chaplains, emergency medical services providers, firefighters, physicians, police officers, nurses, dispatchers, airline personnel and disaster workers who are already trained in the critical incident stress debriefing format. It will also be useful for those working extensively with traumatized victims for various walks of life.

Program Highlights:

  • Relevant research findings
  • Managing complex group oriented crisis interventions
  • Nature and importance of incident assessment
  • Strategic intervention planning
  • Comprehensive, integrated, systematic and multi-component CISM
  • Concepts of enhanced group processes
  • Significantly delayed interventions
  • “Multiple incident CISD”
  • Suicide of a colleague
  • Small group crisis support sessions after a disaster

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application).
    • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention OR Suicide Awareness: An Introduction forCrisis Responders
    • Strategic Response to Crisis
    • Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • Have taught no less than five Group Crisis Intervention courses with good student evaluations.
  • A minimum of five years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Crisis Intervention is NOT psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. This program is designed for teach participants the fundamentals of, and a specific protocol for, individual crisis intervention.

This course is designed for anyone who desires to increase their knowledge of individual (one-on-one) crisis intervention techniques in the fields of Business & Industry, Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress.

Program Highlights:

  • Psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
  • Resistance, resiliency, recovery continuum
  • Critical incident stress management
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Basic crisis communication techniques
  • Common psychological and behavioral crisis reactions
  • Putative and empirically-derived mechanisms
  • SAFER-Revised model
  • Suicide intervention
  • Risks of iatrogenic “harm”
  • Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis
  • Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

After learning the CISM techniques it is important to get the experience in using and maintaining the skills necessary to do quality interventions. This program has been designed to provide participants with direct application and practice of skills of crisis intervention techniques. The program emphasizes a broadening of the knowledge base concerning critical incident stress management interventions as well as the practice of each application. Participants will learn some training techniques and activities that they might use to assist their teams in additional skill building.

This program has been developed for Employee Assistance Programs, human resources staff, public safety personnel, mental health professionals, chaplains, paramedics, firefighters, physicians, police officers, nurses, dispatchers, airline personnel and disaster workers to increase mastery and confidence in the skills learned during the CISM core courses.

Program Highlights:

  • Skills in organizing appropriate CISM responses
  • Conducting Crisis Management Briefings
  • Participate as a Team member and a “participant” of an event
  • Appropriate CISM activities for a variety of incidents
  • Range of CISM techniques within the CISM process
  • Understanding of CISM principles for each activity
  • “Teaching” phases in each type of CISM experience
  • Defusing steps and purposes
  • Alternative techniques to accomplish the goals of CISM
  • One on one skills using CISM process

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application).
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
      • Please note the Building Skills for Crisis Intervention Teams course is NOT a prerequisite for this Approved Instructor Candidate Program!
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • A minimum of five years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Traumatic events involving children disturb and confuse both the children involved and the adult responders. Our children deserve the opportunity to heal from the frightening complications of childhood trauma. This class explores the developmental considerations and children’s trauma response from infancy through adolescence. Preventive, intervention and recovery strategies will assist the adult responding to traumatized children. This course will provide a venue for adults to gain comfort in their capability to assist traumatized children through a discussion of crisis management principles and the necessary modifications for children. Self-care for adult caregivers who recognize the need to heal our children is emphasized.

Adults working with traumatized children must deal with their feelings of inadequacy as they seek to assist a child in crisis. Most adults do not feel prepared to deal with the intense reactions of children. Parents, caregivers, educators, crisis management professionals and emergency service CISM peer team members can benefit from the preventive and intervention guidelines and practical crisis management strategies offered in this class.

Program Highlights:

  • Recognizing high-risk traumatized children
  • Partnership opportunities within the community
  • Assessment considerations with the traumatized child
  • Trauma and grief symptomatology
  • Developmental considerations pertinent to the traumatized child
  • Correct and ethical crisis intervention sensitive to a child
  • Development of crisis response plans
  • Adolescent suicide deaths and appropriate crisis response
  • Parental, family and community influences
  • Implications on caring adults when working with traumatized children

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention OR Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders
    • CISM Application with Children
  • An ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing in two (2) of the following programs:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
  • A masters degree or higher in a mental health field.
  • Minimum of three years experience working with children.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date that acknowledges your experience working with crisis intervention.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date that acknowledges your experience working with children.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a fourth letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Every day thousands of people are exposed to traumatic events in their workplace which can have significant impact and cause a number of challenges for a company and its employees. The types of events they are exposed to are varied and most often unexpected. Tragic events impact the productivity and psychological health of employees, whether from workplace violence, sudden death, massive layoffs or a natural disaster. When a traumatic event occurs, many businesses are not adequately prepared and need guidance on how to respond.

This course is designed for anyone wanting to learn all aspects of assisting businesses in preparing for and responding to potential traumatic incidents in the workplace. Those who seek to provide Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services in the corporate field must possess a comprehensive understanding of how to interface with a wide variety of businesses and corporations.

Program Highlights

  • Critical incidents that can affect a workplace
  • Industry-specific culture and risk factors
  • Referral, site assessment, and consultation
  • Entities involved in a corporate crisis
  • Issues and challenges of HR in a crisis
  • Psychological crisis, employee concerns and wellness
  • Creating a crisis plan for a business
  • Developing a Peer team within a business
  • Appropriate CISM interventions within a workplace
  • Getting started in workplace crisis preparation and response

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
      • Please note that the Comprehensive Crisis Preparation & Response for the Workplace course is NOT a prerequisite for this Approved Instructor Candidate Program.
  • Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience in a corporate or business environment.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Today we see an unprecedented mix of unique stressors & disasters with limited psychological resources. The Critical Incident Stress Management continuum offers high risk populations seeking a strategic crisis response; one that holistically builds the resilience of those in need. Crisis Informed Peer Para-Counseling (CIPP) expands the support tools of peer counselors to collectively cope with trauma and disasters. CIPP will become the 1:1 follow up service to them CISD. The unprecedented mix of unique stressors & disasters with limited psychological resources means at risk populations are seeking a strategic crisis response; one that holistically builds the resilience of those in need and expands the support tools of peer counselors to collectively cope with trauma.

Program Highlights:

  • Define the CIPP model
  • Define terms in the field of peer support & crisis intervention
  • Enhance skills in SAMSHA peer para counseling eight dimensions guidelines. Review Empathy versus Sympathy as a core principal of connection-Theresa Wiseman/Four Principles of Empathy- Perspective Taking/ Stay out of judgement, recognize emotions, communication.
  • Define Mental health, addiction & trauma related disorders
  • Define Peers as prevention educators
  • Define Psychological First Aid
  • Identify National, state & community behavioral healthcare & human service resources
  • Define CIPP episode of care

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • Group Crisis Intervention
  • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • Crisis Informed Peer Para-Counseling: Intervention Enhancement to the CISM Continuum
  • A letter of recommendation attesting to your teaching, leadership and CISM experience
  • Current CV or resume
  • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the UMBC CISM Certification Exam cismcertifications.org
    • Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here.
  • Complete online registration and application fee

The faith-based communities have long been responders to disaster and emergencies, providing needed care to those impacted. Recent events both in the US and internationally highlight the need for crisis services for those very faith-based communities when events impact their staff and volunteers.

This workshop will address providing crisis services for places of worship, with an emphasis on caring for the staff, spiritual leadership, and worshipers as potential groups needing services.

Program Highlights:

  • Enhance crisis support for places of worship
  • Common psychological reactions to critical incidents in places of worship
  • Recommendations for providing support in faith-based venues
  • Prepare crisis teams to provide support in faith-based venues
  • Assessment of crisis needs in places of worship following a critical incident
  • Specific target groups in places of worship
  • Working with places of worship before, during, and after a crisis event
  • Lessons learned from case studies of recent episodes of violence in places of worship

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in “Critical Incidents in Places of Worship – Providing Effective Crisis Support” Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application).
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • A minimum of three years’ experience supporting individuals and families experiencing Pastoral Crises.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a faith-based local, state or regional CISM team or agency/institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a faith-based local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention/CISM team and/or actively provided crisis support services.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Online application and application fee.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM/pastoral care experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Please click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

This program trains participants in effective De-escalation skills from a variety of perspectives. Lessons learned about assessing, intervening, and monitoring the effectiveness of de-escalation will be reviewed. Participants will learn recent developments in the psychology of extreme escalation. We will also focus on the mental preparation skills that can lead to effective intervention under stress.  Skill based scenario training will be used to increase participants confidence in their ability to effectively intervene with those in extreme crisis. The program is designed for those who serve on the front line including public safety, first responders, health care providers, mental health professionals, crisis workers, and social service professionals. 

Program Highlights:

  • The demand for effective De-escalation skills
  • Introduction and overview of the crisis escalation process
  • Recognizing early warning signs of escalation
  • Safety concerns : Recognizing signs of impending violence
  • Mental Preparation to intervene effectively
  • Verbal De-escalation Techniques – Listening and Responding
  • Assessing key themes driving the escalation
  • Problem solving under stress
  • Trauma-Informed De-escalation
  • States of mind and De-escalation: What we know about changing states

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Instructor status in Assisting Individuals In Crisis
  • Certificate of completion for De-escalation Skills for the Front Line: A Practical Approach regular course certificate of completion
  • Letter describing your past de-escalation experience and how you plan to use this training
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency/ institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Active membership on a crisis intervention team
    • Your instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

This advanced level course will enhance your skills to provide effective emotional and spiritual care (ESC) to meet the disaster-related needs of disaster responders and disaster affected families and individuals within disaster operations. This course builds on the crisis intervention principles taught in the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) core courses to effectively integrate these principles within ESC teams for appropriate care throughout the disaster continuum from the immediate to long-term recovery process.

This course is designed for trained clergy, chaplains, mental health professionals, and CISM trained crisis responders who desire to enhance their skills in providing Emotional and Spiritual Care to survivors of disaster and trauma. Suggested but not mandatory prerequisites: Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support; Group Crisis Intervention; Pastoral Crisis Intervention.

Program Highlights:

  • One’s own faith tradition and ESC
  • ESC & the Incident Command System
  • ESC & disaster relief operations
  • Physical, psychological, emotional impact of disasters
  • Behavioral, interpersonal and spiritual impact of disasters
  • Range of ESC interventions in the aftermath
  • Suitability to provide ESC
  • Maintaining health during deployment
  • Deployment personal care plans
  • Intervention and care giving concepts

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application).
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention an Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention OR Strategic Response to Crisis
    • Emotional and Spiritual Care
  • A minimum of three years critical incident/traumatic stress experience.
  • Evidence of disaster experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM and disaster experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Please click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Explore the relationship between exposure to traumas and the often resulting addiction. Those individuals who work in the “helping professions” are statistically at a greater risk for developing addictions. The use of alcohol, drugs and other activities as a means of self-medicating overwhelming job-related stress and chronic exposure to emotionally charged events is often common place. Personality traits and the human culture of “helpers” are looked at, as well as issues of enabling and family dynamics. Good critical incident stress management MUST include an addictions component which addresses these dangers, and gives you the tools necessary to address these dependencies.

This course is for those in the “helping professions” who are at a greater risk to crisis and the potential for substance abuse and additions and those who work with this specialized population.

Program Highlights:

  • Addiction Issues of Concern
  • Generalized Adaptation Syndrome
  • PTSD, Alcoholism and Addictions
  • Extremes of Human Stress
  • Assessing Incidents
  • Addiction and Suicide
  • Enabling, Jackpots & Co-Dependency
  • Belief Systems and Recovery
  • Roads to Living Clean and Sober
  • Living with Someone in Recovery

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • From Trauma to Addictions
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
  • A working understanding of addictions either through a 12 step program, or training in other successful recovery program(s).
  • A minimum of five years critical incident/traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
    • Your understanding of 12 step and / or other recovery programs.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Please click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

In the course of one’s career, it is inevitable that professionals will encounter traumatic death and loss issues both personally and professionally. Professionals often feel ill prepared to provide effective care throughout the grief process. This course will cover key grief and loss concepts relating to trauma and traumatic death. Participants will increase their knowledge of how trauma impacts the grief process and will gain skills for evaluating and supporting persons who have experienced traumatic death and loss.

This course is designed for anyone who works with people who experience grief and loss following a traumatic event.

Program Highlights:

  • Characteristics of trauma
  • Clinical implications of grief
  • Primary needs of victims
  • What helps and what hurts
  • Types of traumatic events
  • Traumatic grief and grief reactions
  • Death notification
  • Applications of the SAFER model
  • Supporting grieving people
  • Personal self-care plan

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an ICISF approved instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Grief Following Trauma
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for at least one other ICISF course.
  • A minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
    • Significant experience working with grieving individuals.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum, the Group Crisis Intervention course will prepare participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services. Fundamentals of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) will be outlined and participants will leave with the knowledge and tools to provide several group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusings and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The need for appropriate follow-up services and referrals when necessary will also be discussed.

This course is designed for anyone in the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress.

Program Highlights:

  • Relevant research findings
  • Relevant recommendations for practice
  • Incident assessment
  • Strategic intervention planning
  • “Resistance, resilience, recovery” continuum
  • Large group crisis interventions
  • Small group crisis interventions
  • Adverse outcome associated with crisis intervention
  • Reducing risks
  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis
  • Minimum of three years crisis intervention/ traumatic stress experience.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/traumatic stress experience (a minimum of three years are required).
    • Your active membership on a crisis intervention team
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Crisis intervention is not psychotherapy, rather it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. As physical first aid is to surgery, crisis intervention is to psychotherapy. Thus, crisis intervention is sometimes called “emotional first aid”. Most crisis intervention is done individually (one-on-one). The program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of, and a specific protocol for, individual crisis intervention and increase emergency mental health skills.

Interested participants would include emergency services personnel, military personnel, business/industrial personnel without formal training in mental health, and mental health professionals. Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Law Enforcement Perspectives for CISM Enhancement courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor.
    • Preferred: Completion of above plus completion of Advanced Group or Strategic Response to Crisis ICISF courses.
      (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
  • Proof of a minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • Proof of completion of a minimum of 15 group interventions. (Equivalent experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis).
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Proof of active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
    • Your background as a Law Enforcement officer with ten years service OR as a mental health professional/chaplain/civilian worker with three years of service interacting with a law enforcement agency.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Designed to prepare school administrators and all educators for the inevitable crises that occur within schools and/or that effect those in schools, this training reflects the 3 most common phases of a crisis: pre-crisis planning, acute crisis response and post-crisis activities.  Special attention is given to the most common pitfalls (those that pose the most threat to school personnel from a liability standpoint) associated with crisis response activities.

Participants of this training are introduced to the CISM framework and specific intervention techniques that can easily be applied within the school setting. These intervention techniques are research-informed and widely recognized for their effectiveness. Participants will be given opportunities to explore the elements of effective crisis management through multiple group activities.

Program Highlights:

  • Prevalence and nature of school crisis
  • Traumatic stress on learning and school milieu
  • Major components of crisis management
  • Specific goals of crisis intervention and crisis management
  • Standard of Care as it relates to school crisis management
  • CISM as a model of crisis intervention
  • Unique role and needs of the building administrator
  • Group intervention techniques for school personnel
  • Protocol used for large incidents
  • Respond to and mange a large-scale incident

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an ICISF approved Instructor. (Copy of certificate of completion is required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Managing School Crises: From Theory to Application OR Responding to School Crisis
  • A minimum of two years school based experience as either a: Teacher, Counselor, School Psychologist, Social Worker. Administrators and school resource/safety officers with similar experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  • Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation/endorsement from a school administrator (building principal, assistant principal, superintendent or division head, etc.)
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team or educational crisis response team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of your current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form and application fee.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Your instructional experience
    • Reason for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here
  • Completion of the FEMAIS-362.A: Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools class: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-362.a

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

The Pastoral Crisis Intervention program may be thought of as the combination of faith-based resources with traditional techniques of crisis intervention. Pastoral crisis intervention represents a powerful addition to traditional community and organizational psychological support resources. The purpose of the workshop is to assist in learning how pastoral interventions and traditional psychological crisis interventions may be effectively integrated.
Interested participants would include chaplains, pastoral counselors, mental health professionals, ministers, and anyone interested in the use of faith-based resources. Successful completion of the Approved Instructor program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Pastoral Crisis Intervention Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Pastoral Crisis Intervention courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor.
    • Preferred: Completion of above plus Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.
      (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
  • A minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • Completion of a minimum of five group interventions. (Equivalent experience will be evaluated on a case by case basis).
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

This course builds on the foundations of ICISF’s “Pastoral Crisis Intervention” class. More specific advanced concepts and specific field applications where pastoral crisis intervention is applied will be covered.

Program Highlights:

  • Crisis intervention, CISM and PCI
  • Risks and potential adverse reactions
  • Advance topics in assessment.
  • Principals of basic spiritual first aid
  • PCI with those expressing theodolitic concerns
  • The incident management system (IMS)
  • PCI with those expressing suicidal ideation
  • PCI with those in acute bereavement
  • Principles of death notification
  • Principles and practices associated with self-care

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
    • Pastoral Crisis Intervention
    • Preferred: Completion of above plus Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for Pastoral Crisis Intervention.
  • Documentation of Ordination or Licensure by your denomination.
  • A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.*
  • A letter of endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.*

* At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.

  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form and application fee.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    2. Your instructional experience.
    3. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Please note the Pastoral Crisis Intervention II course is NOT a prerequisite for this Approved Instructor Candidate Program.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Resilience is recognized as an important factor in sustained health and performance in the workplace.  Recent changes in healthcare delivery, ethics, and technology present both stress and opportunities for personal and career development and finding meaning in one’s work.  The role of specific behaviors, values, mindsets and relationships in sustaining resilience is becoming more commonly appreciated.

This course will present the state of the field of resilience in Healthcare. It is designed for Nursing Professionals, Physicians, and Pre-hospital  Providers, and all those who serve in healthcare today.  Interactive exercises will assist in enhancing resilience from multiple perspectives. to elicit and teach the skills of resilience. The role of resilience training for new professionals, as well as the role of supervisors, mentors, and preceptors in enhancing resilience will be reviewed. The connection between resilience and expert performance and decision making will be discussed.

Program Highlights:

  • The multiple perspectives of resilience in Healthcare
  • The Practices of Resilience: Behavior, mindsets, values
  • Resilience and performance
  • The development of Resilient Professionals
  • Supervisors and resilient staff development
  • Mentoring / Preceptor strategies for Resilience
  • Personal plan for building resilience
  • Integration with training / continuing education

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for either:
    • Group Crisis Intervention OR Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • Have taught no less than three Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support OR Group Crisis Intervention courses with good student evaluations.
  • Minimum three years in Healthcare related occupation or setting.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A brief statement describing:
    • Workplace crisis intervention / Workplace violence experience
    • Instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor status
    • Plan for providing approved ICISF courses
  • Completed online registration with $50.00 USD application fee.
  • Note the Resilience in Healthcare: Performance, Meaning and Connection course is NOT a prerequisite for the instructor program.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

In times of crisis and adversity leadership is essential.  The course RESILIENT LEADERSHIP For Emergency Services and Healthcare Professions is a unique science based program which prepares leaders to create an organizational culture of resilience. 

Frontline leaders/managers will find Resilient Leadership especially useful. Topics include resilience oriented communications, the four characteristics that separate effective crisis leaders from others, and common mistakes leaders make.

Program Highlights:

Students will be able to:

  • Define and recognize resilience.
  • Define and recognize a resilient organizational culture.
  • Define the two covenants of Resilient Leadership.
  • Define the four core pillars of Resilient Leadership.
  • Practice Resilient Leadership by implementing 20 specific Resilient Leadership prescriptions (RX) to create a “culture of resilience.”
  • Avoid the “7 deadly sins” of leadership.

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the regular Resilient Leadership class either as a synchronous or asynchronous ICISF class. (Copy of certificate of completion are required to accompany the application).
  • Two letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your teaching leadership and CISM experience
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • A brief statement of intent.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Spiritual & Psychological First Aid

Research validates that the help and support people receive in times of crisis matters. Providing effective spiritual and psychological care to individuals, families, and communities in difficult times is critical and can help promote resiliency.

This two-day course endeavors to build helping skills and a better understanding of the unique role of the crisis responder and trains participants in the fundamental principles of spiritual and psychological first aid (SPFA). Care provided in SPFA may be defined as a practical, compassionate and supportive presence designed to mitigate acute distress, assess needs, provide essential supportive care, and link with other support systems as needed for ongoing spiritual, emotional, and mental health care.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  • Identify evidence-informed foundations for SPFA
  • Articulate an understanding of a “supportive presence” and “companioning.”
  • Define the essential elements of connecting and communicating with people in crisis
  • Prepare survivors to understand commonly experienced psychological/ behavioral reactions and the process of recovery
  • Identify indicators of resiliency, recovery and post traumatic growth to encourage help, hope and healing
  • Identify how meeting basic human needs is foundational to providing SPFA
  • Demonstrate essential interventions to help stabilize and protect people in crisis
  • Create a safe environment that facilitates effective listening and crisis communication
  • Link survivors with existing community support services and develop an ongoing care plan.
  • Demonstrate skills for assessing spiritual and emotional needs of individuals in crisis
  • Utilize a spiritual assessment framework to identify ways to help an individual draw on spiritual and religious resources to cope and foster resiliency

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in “Spiritual & Psychological First Aid” Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Spiritual and Psychological First Aid
  • Evidence of significant on-scene experience providing SPFA in crisis settings.  This is one of the most important criteria for being able to effectively teach this course.  You cannot teach this course competently if you do not understand and have real life experience within the world of crisis response and recovery.
  • A minimum of three years critical incident/traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or crisis/disaster agency dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator, crisis/disaster agency, or clinical director dated within three months of application date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • If you are not already an experienced ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing and we do not know your teaching capabilities, you may be required to submit a video demonstrating your teaching ability.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume that shows the scope of your education and teaching.
  • Brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.  Clearly indicate the types of crises events you have served in and the different roles you have filled during these responses.
    • Your instructional experience.  List what groups and organizations you have you trained for and types of training have you done.
    • Document your involvement with crisis response teams.
    • Outline your experience working with people of diverse religious and non-religious groups/cultures.  Indicate your experiences helping people draw on their spiritual and religious resources to cope with trauma and loss.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training and how you intend to use it if you are approved as an instructor for this course.
  • Complete an interview by phone, person or video conferencing to answer additional questions if needed.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF version of these prerequisites.

Knowing what sequence of crisis intervention processes to use for which individuals or groups, at what times, and under what circumstances is crucial to all effective early intervention programs. The course will present essential information for the assessment of both crisis situations and the effects of critical incidents on people involved in those situations. Learn to create an effective plan of action to assist those in crisis and complete a series of exercises designed to sharpen assessment and crisis planning skills. Strategic planning and tactical decision making are emphasized, as are rationales for choosing one set of crisis intervention processes over another.

This course builds confidence that crisis interventionists will make the right choices of interventions for the populations they are assisting under specific circumstances. This course requires previous training and experience. Successful completion of the Approved Instructor program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program

  • Completion of the Strategic Response to Crisis course as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copy of certificate of completion is required to accompany the application.)
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention.
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support).
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.
  • A minimum of five years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

This important course is for all who work with traumatized people. Explore the “Stress Continuum,” the levels of stress including eustress (i.e., beneficial, motivating stress), traumatic stress, burnout, countertransference, compassion fatigue or secondary PTSD, and vicarious traumatization which may occur as a result of helping others. A discussion of coping strategies for those who work with traumatized children will also be offered. Individual self-report exercises and an experiential group support session will assist the participating trauma provider in assessing their own level of stress through sharing personal experiences with others. Stress management self care techniques will be presented, experienced and discussed.

This course is appropriate for all mental health professionals, emergency services personnel, and peer counselors.

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in Stress Management for the Trauma Service Provider Approved Instructor Candidate Program

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability of stress management.   If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience, including teaching stress management concepts.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Please note the Stress Management for the Trauma Service Provider course is NOT a prerequisite for this Approved Instructor Candidate Program.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

The ability to recognize and effectively intervene with suicidal individuals is one of the most challenging aspects of crisis intervention. This course is recommended for those without formal mental health training. The course is designed to increase awareness of suicide, and equip participants with information and basic skills to respond to a person considering suicide. Discussions, demonstrations, and scenarios will be used to facilitate learning. This is an introductory level course.

Program Highlights:

  • Overview of Suicide Crisis intervention and Suicide Prevention
  • Preventative and Protective Factors
  • Risk and Recognition
  • Strategies for Responding to Those Considering Suicide
  • Referral Skills and Resources

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support )
      (ICISF will verify your instructor status. There is no need to provide documentation)
  • Completion of at least ONE of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor:
    • Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders OR Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention
      (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application)
  • Proof of active membership on a crisis intervention team
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency/ institution dated within three months of application due date
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted
  • Copy of a current CV or resume
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership
  • Proof of a minimum of three years critical incident/traumatic stress experience
  • Complete online registration and application fee
  • Brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/traumatic stress experience (a minimum of three years are required)
    • Your instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training
    • Reasons that you feel you would be a good instructor for this course
    • Experience with suicidal individuals, intervention, and treatment
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Why do people kill themselves? How do I ask someone if they are feeling suicidal? What do I do if they say they ARE suicidal? How do I deal with the strong emotions suicide generates? This course will provide answers for these and other questions many of crisis interventionists have about suicide. It will provide participants with basic information about suicide as well as help participants develop practical skills for prevention, intervention and postvention. Small group role plays will allow participants to apply the suggested techniques as they are learned.
This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about intervening across the suicide spectrum. Professionals from the fields of Business & Industry Crisis Intervention, Disaster Response, Education, Emergency Services, Employee Assistance, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Mental Health, Military, Spiritual Care, and Traumatic Stress may all benefit.

Program Highlights:

  • Common myths about suicide
  • Risk factors for suicidal behavior
  • Frequent motivations for suicide
  • Problem solving methods
  • Effective intervention strategies
  • Elements of effective postvention
  • Elements of survivor grief
  • Community referral sources
  • “Mini-lecture” on suicide
  • Feelings and reactions of suicide survivors

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention OR Suicide Awareness: An Introduction for Crisis Responders
  • An ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing in two (2) of the following programs:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
  • A masters degree or higher in a mental health, medically related, or faith based discipline.
  • Minimum of three years critical incident / suicide intervention experience.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • Completed online application and application fee.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
    • Your instructional experience.
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Crisis intervention and critical incident stress management strategies and interventions can only be effectively delivered through a well-organized and orchestrated crisis response team. Team development and management skills are critical to the effective functioning of a crisis response team. This session will explore: leadership and management strategies; team development activities; team evolution considerations; preventative maintenance; learning from the past; and how to help teams remain healthy.

This course is designed for anyone in a team leadership position or who aspires to contribute to the organization or continued development of a crisis support, CISM, or peer support team. The program is essential to the development and maintenance of these programs.

Program Highlights:

  • Framework for an effective CISM Team
  • Appropriate policies and procedures for CISM Team operation
  • Two management theories and the characteristics of each
  • Steps in team development
  • Key skills for successful leadership
  • Methods to keep teams healthy
  • Minimum standards for training of team members
  • Barriers to team development
  • Group dynamics that effect team operation
  • Difficult team maintenance issues

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for application into the TEAM: Team Evolution and Management Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an ICISF approved Instructor (Copies of certificate of completion are required to accompany the application):
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • TEAM: Team Evolution and Management.
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support)
  • A minimum of two years experience as a crisis support/CISM team or clinical coordinator.
  • A minimum of five years critical incident/traumatic stress experience.
  • Participation in a minimum of twenty group crisis interventions (defusing, debriefing, crisis management briefing).
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a member of the leadership of your current crisis support or CISM team attesting to your team leadership experience and abilities.
  • Prior experience in instruction/delivery of education programs and a minimum delivery of ten education/training courses of at least eight hours each in length.
  • Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of your current CV or resume.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Your instructional experience
    • Reason for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  • Completed online application and $50.00 USD application fee.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

This course is designed to aid you in building a personal culture of resilience and holistic health. Our unique approach is intended to help you learn to better manage the stress in your life in order to increase your potential for happiness, success, and even create a competitive advantage through the creation of what we call Psychological Body Armor ™. There is no “quick fix” in this program. It is not designed to be a “pop psych” feel-good course. Rather, this course contains facts and specific suggestions for actions you can take to enhance your personal resilience, all based upon the latest and most credible science.

Program Highlights:

  • The nature of Psychological Body Armor ™ (PBA)
  • Resilient attitudes
  • Using physical exercise to strengthen PBA
  • Using nutrition to fuel PBA
  • Using rest to recharge and restore PBA
  • Using interpersonal support
  • How spirituality relates to PBA
  • A PBA plan

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for one other subject.
  • Minimum of five years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • Completion of The Secrets Psychological Body Armor ™-Holistic Wellness for Emergency Personnel regular class.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation / endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a CISM team/crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Official course application form.
  • A brief statement outlining:
  • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Your Instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Acts of terrorism are unparalleled in their potential for undermining the psychological stability of our country. We now live in a time when first responders and health care providers must be ready to meet the challenges ahead. This course will explore preparedness and response to terrorism with an emphasis on at-risk populations, coping mechanisms, resiliency, and lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and the attacks of 9/11/01.

Psychological reactions, psychosomatic symptoms, and how they may vary depending on the type of weapon of mass destruction utilized (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive) will be discussed. Upon completion, participants will be able to: understand the difference between chemical, biological, radiological, and conventional attacks from a psychological perspective; identify at-risk populations, phases of attack, and phases of emergency response; understand, assess, and facilitate effective coping mechanisms; understand and promote resiliency; understand and apply the NIMH recommendations for early psychological intervention in mass violence; be knowledgeable of recent innovations in response to catastrophic disasters and terrorism (including Family Assistance Centers and Respite Centers); strategically plan for psychological response to terrorist attacks; understand and be able to apply strategies for self-care and stress management for disaster workers; and understand “where do we go from here” in future planning for psychological impacts of terrorism

Successful completion of this program allows you to teach Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications class for a period of three years.  After that time continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Minimum of three years critical incident / traumatic stress experience.
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention.
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support).
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a sponsoring CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application date.
  • A letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application date.
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Active membership on a CISM team/crisis intervention team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Course Application Form.
  • Statement detailing involvement in at least two disasters and/or terrorist type events.
  • A brief statement outlining:
    • Your crisis intervention/CISM experience
    • Your Instructional Experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training
  • Please note the regular Terrorism: Psychological Impact and Implications course is not a required prerequisite for this course.
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.

Violence in the workplace is a serious health and safety issue. This course will provide an overview of current thinking and best practices in workplace violence prevention, response, and recovery. The focus will be on designing a proactive approach as well as a comprehensive response plan to meet the needs of organizations at risk. An interactive format, with group exercises and scenarios will be used to enhance the application of the material to simulated events. We will review actual workplace violence case studies, taking a “lessons learned “approach. Participants will be asked to bring their experience, questions, and specific workplace violence concerns to the training to enhance the practical value of the course.  This course will benefit crisis responders as well as any business, employee or management group interested in successful strategies in dealing with workplace violence.

Program Highlights:

  • Workplace Violence Defined
  • Categories and Types of Workplace Violence
  • Prevention Strategies
  • Threat Assessment
  • Response Strategies
  • Recovery Issues
  • Challenging Situations
  • Healthy Workplace Characteristics

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Workplace Violence Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by an ICISF Approved Instructor. Copies of certificates of completion must accompany the candidate’s application
    • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
    • Group Crisis Intervention
    • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
    • Workplace Violence
  • Current ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Group Crisis Intervention OR Assisting Individuals in Crisis (formerly known as Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support).
  • Active membership on an ICISF registered CISM team or participation on a crisis support team.
  • Current ICISF individual or team membership.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency/ institution dated within three months of application due date
  • Letter of recommendation/endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date
  • At least one of the letters of recommendation/endorsement must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • Completed online registration with $50.00 USD application fee.
  • A brief statement describing:
    • Workplace crisis intervention / Workplace violence experience
    • Instructional experience
    • Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor status
    • Plan for providing approved ICISF courses
  • Completion of the ICISF/UMBC CISM Certification Exam: https://cismcertifications.org
    Optional “CISM: A Practical Review” can be purchased here

Click here to download a PDF with these prerequisites.