Develop Skills & Discover Tools for Empowering Mental Health Conversations
DCC Training equips participants through knowledge building and skill development to provide vital support to those in need.
At Distress Centre Calgary, we believe in the power of empathy, active listening, and compassionate communication. DCC Training is tailored to empower participants to offer assistance to individuals facing emotional distress, mental health challenges, and crisis situations.
By participating in this program, your team will gain transformational skills that can support an employee, co-worker, client or any person who is struggling with mental health challenges.
DCC Training provides participants with the tools to confidently navigate difficult conversations, creating a mentally healthier workplace and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Comprehensive Training: Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum developed by experts in the field of mental health and crisis intervention. You will learn about active listening techniques, crisis de-escalation strategies, mental health, and more.
Flexible Learning: We understand your busy schedule, and that’s why our training is designed to be flexible. Our trainers can come to your office or potentially provide training space for your team. In-person training is proven to be most effective, but you can also complete the training at your own pace and convenience online, making it accessible to everyone.
Real World Scenarios: Our training includes real-world scenarios and case studies to help you apply your skills in practical situations. This hands-on experience will boost your confidence in providing support to those in need.
Certification: Upon successful completion of the training program, you will receive a certification that recognizes your commitment to supporting mental health and crisis intervention in our community.
Training Modules
Distress Centre currently offers six training modules:
Introduction to Crisis Intervention
Mental Health and Addictions
Domestic Violence
Grief and Loss
Youth Issues
How to be an Ally
Testimonials
“Deanna did an outstanding job. I got a lot out of it and have a better handle on how to navigate crisis situations with our staff (and customers).”
Tyler Pickering, Long and McQuade Musical Instruments
“I would highly recommend Distress Centre’s training programs to anyone who is looking to support their agency and staff through periods of crisis or transition. The workshop was extremely helpful, and focused on pragmatic practical tools to assist clients in crisis.”
Carolyn Krahn, WRC
“It was so valuable to have a framework for hard conversations as well as tips for regulating ourselves when dealing with other people who are in crisis. Everyone from our team who took this training said they feel so much more prepared for working with people personally and professionally who are experiencing a crisis.”
Juliet Burgess, Skipping Stone
“The sessions were very helpful and provided practical tools to assist with day-to-day frontline work. There was a lot of content delivered in a short period of time, but the sessions were facilitated in a dynamic and interactive way. Time went by fast and people were engaged the whole time!
Alberta Law Foundation
Alberta College of Social Workers Credits
Training at Distress Centre counts towards Category A continuing competency credits with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
Each module counts for 3 credited hours. You must explain how this activity meets the personal learning goals you have set out for yourself by submitting a Category A Summary Form to the ACSW along with the certificate(s) provided.
Disclaimer: Community training material strictly belongs to Distress Centre. We are not affiliated or partnered with any other training organizations.
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
DCC Stories of Hope: Alex and our crisis support service
Listen to Alex’s powerful story of finding hope through Distress Centre Calgary. Calling Distress Centre Calgary and being able to interact with the amazing and caring people in my lowest [...]
David Kirby celebrates 20 years at Distress Centre Calgary
David Kirby, our Clinical Services Manager, has achieved a remarkable milestone – 20 years of service as a member of our staff at Distress Centre Calgary. But David’s journey at [...]
This Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing stories of hope—how we’ve been there for those who needed support, no matter the reason. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we've been able to provide hope to countless individuals going through challenging times in their life. [...]
Due to the Canada Post strike, some of our mailings may be delayed, which could impact the vital funds we rely on during our annual giving campaign. We’ve been sharing [...]
Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Taylor* found comfort on the other end of the line. After being transferred from 911 to the 211 co-location team, Taylor shared their story with [...]
A $243,690 grant from Alberta Law Foundation supports Distress Centre Calgary's Justice System Initiative, helping Calgarians overcome critical legal barriers. [...]
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
When life’s challenges become overwhelming, we want you to know that we are here. Distress Centre Calgary provides 24-hour crisis and emotional support by phone, chat, and text to anyone who needs it. Help us continue being here — for you and our community.
During the Canada Post strike, you can donate online, drop a check off at our office, or contacts us at donate@distresscentre.com and we’ll arrange a time to pick-up the cheque (within Calgary city limits).
