Jump Start Fellowship Program
The Jump Start Fellowship Program is a 12-week, full-time program for those who want to work in the public adult mental health field. Since its first session in 2007, Jump Start has graduated over 700 individuals who have moved on to work or pursued higher education in the mental health field.
Offered in the spring and the fall in Long Beach, Jump Start combines classroom learning with applied internships. Graduates earn a certificate as Mental Health Recovery Specialist.
Beyond classroom training, participants are matched with an internship so they can put learned skills to practice. By the end of the program, participants will have completed 180 classroom hours and 240 internship hours.
Eligible candidates for this program are those who have completed 24 college credits. Preference is given to applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in any field, or those who have a lived mental health experience – or have a family member who does ‑‑ and have completed 24 college credits. Individuals who are bilingual and/or bicultural from underserved populations and have also completed the minimum 24 credits are encouraged to apply.
Jump Start is a partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and seeks to help build a diversified workforce. For more information, call 562-285-1330 ext. 1052 or email us at jumpstart@mhala.org.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Just as CPR training helps a person with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA training helps a person assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis, such as contemplating suicide, until appropriate professional help arrives. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy by helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of symptoms of mental health conditions.
Mental health first aiders learn a 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help.
Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families, and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.
TAY Immersion Training
TAY Immersion Training is a customized workshop that immerses participants in the principles and practices of transition-age youth services. Some of the topics covered include understanding what it means to "meet a young adult where they are,” determine service and treatment based on abilities and strengths, focusing on overall wellness and health, and mentoring and creating supportive relationships.
The training, offered in both Lancaster and Long Beach, is recommended for staff, supervisors, administrators, mental health and adult system of care directors, and partners (including housing providers and law enforcement).
For additional information, contact kesquivel@mhala.org or by phone at 562-285-1330 ext. 1051.
Recovery-Oriented Practice
Our Recovery-Oriented Practice Immersion Training is a 2-day training designed to immerse participants in the principles and practice of recovery-focused service delivery. The workshops and activities are based on the stages of recovery of hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and meaningful roles, as well as the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.
The training is recommended for staff, supervisors, administrators, mental health and adult system of care directors, and partners (including faith-based organizations, housing providers and law enforcement). It is available in Long Beach and the Antelope Valley.
ROP has been approved to provide 12 continuing education hours for RNs, LCSWs and MFTs by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886729862), the Board of Registered Nurses (License No. CEP16746) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CE Provider #130632), as well as for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
For additional information, please contact kesquivel@mhala.org or by phone at 562-285-1330 ext. 1051.