Our rigorous training classes are held three times a year; once in the Spring, Summer, & Fall. These classes are located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. Please contact us for training dates.

Our 25 hours of training includes informative & interactive lectures by mental health professionals, along with role-plays. Community Helpline does not offer therapy to callers, but teaches our Crisis Listeners how to use skills and tools found within therapeutic models to assist and support callers. Trainees learn these skills and how to handle the types of calls received on the hotline through role-plays facilitated by experienced listeners.

Additional training includes a minimum of nine (9) hours on the Helpline under the guidance of an experienced and seasoned listener. Topics covered in the comprehensive training include: listening skills, anxiety, depression, substance use, family and domestic violence, recognition of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse, suicide prevention and assessment, and other crisis intervention techniques.

This training will equip the trainee with new skills in the following areas: reflective and nonjudgmental listening, avoid giving advice and deriving solutions, asking appropriate questions, providing empowerment to the caller, and support a caller in crisis. 

By the completion of the training, the trainee will have enhanced their ability to “listen” and support others. They will be more aware of ways to improve relationships and the coping skills needed to face life’s daily challenges. Our volunteers find that being a Crisis Listener is a rewarding and meaningful experience!

Note: A comprehensive training curriculum is available upon request. Contact Community Helpline for more information.