Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools

Dates: Thursday, May 14 – Friday, May 15

REGISTRATION OPEN SOON

Attendees

PREPaRE Workshop 2 is appropriate for any individual filling the role of crisis intervention specialist. This includes school mental health staff (school psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses), administrators, and other individuals to whom the team has identified as appropriate providers of psychological first aid. Additionally, this workshop can be very helpful for community-based mental health practitioners who may work with the school crisis team and/or may be brought into the school to assist in response to a crisis. 

Cost

PREPaRE per participant materials fee: USD$65

Overview

This two-day workshop equips school-based mental health professionals with essential skills for immediate crisis intervention following acute traumatic events affecting students, staff, and the wider school community. Participants will learn strategies to stabilize individuals and create a bridge to longer-term, trauma-informed care when needed. The course emphasizes the unique roles and responsibilities of mental health professionals in schools, focusing on effective crisis response and recovery practices. Ideal for those providing mental health crisis services; this training strengthens preparedness and ensures a coordinated approach to supporting individuals impacted by trauma. 

Speakers

Laura Cowan

Laura Cowan is an international school counselor and educator with over 30 years of experience across Asia. She is dedicated to fostering safe, nurturing school communities through strong child safeguarding, trauma-informed practices, and comprehensive mental health promotion. A certified PREPaRE Workshop 1 and 2 trainer, she equips schools with practical, confidence-building strategies for crisis readiness and psychological triage. Alongside her school leadership, Laura works part-time as a counselor with the Central Health Child Development Team, deepening her support for children experiencing mental health challenges. She also creates and facilitates courses for the Counselor Training Center. Her work centers on empowering communities to thrive, even in challenging times.

Maegan Robichaud

Maegan Robichaud is a high school counselor with 17 years of experience in international education. She has training in school crisis mitigation and response, behavior & threat assessment, and suicide prevention, intervention & postvention. As a NASP certified PREPaRE trainer she helps schools ensure their staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources to build safe school communities and respond to crisis events. Maegan loves collaborating with educators, administrators, and school-based mental health professionals for the promotion of student wellbeing. 

Schedule