About Session
Session Description:
We are in the trenches of a mental health crisis, which means we need a call to action for all hands on deck.
Yet within the mental health field, even foundational behavioral health skills remain siloed, despite the fact that many can be safely and ethically learned and used by lay people. This session introduces the Lay Counselor Academy, a training program designed to teach non-licensed, evidence-informed behavioral health skills to paraprofessionals and community helpers who are already doing essential work.
Rather than confining mental health support to a therapist’s couch, this model recognizes that behavioral health shows up in every interaction, every environment, and every system we navigate daily. By equipping helpers with skills that do not require licensure, this approach expands capacity, reduces escalation, and strengthens support before individuals reach crisis care.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the personal qualities that make lay counselors impactful and see how these traits already show up in their daily work.
- Understand and practice small shifts in communication to build trust, dignity, and connection.
- Reflect on how the LCA can improve both effectiveness with patients and personal job satisfaction.
- Explore how the Lay Counselor Academy can support professional growth, offering tools, community, and ongoing development that deepen their impact over time.
