SM Suicide Prevention Presentations

Community Education and Trainings

San Mateo Suicide Prevention (SMSP) facilitates mental health and suicide prevention trainings for local school districts, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community-based organizations. These services aim to raise mental health awareness and foster resilience and support throughout the county.

  • Topics can be adjusted to be appropriate for any age group.
  • Presentations typically run 1-2 hours but may be tailored to the audience upon request.

These interactive training topics include:

  • Suicide Prevention (School or Community)

    • This presentation covers mental health basics, how to identify suicide risk factors, and how to support someone dealing with suicidal thoughts, as well as introducing community resources.

  • Suicide Assessment for Professionals

    • This clinician-led training is for mental health or other professionals to learn clinical suicide assessment skills for clients and/or students. Participants will learn strategies on how to explore client suicidality confidently, how to assess for suicidality, and how to determine appropriate crisis interventions.

  • Crisis Services Overview

    • This presentation covers all you need to know about crisis intervention resources in San Mateo County, including how to access and utilize our crisis services and all-ages 24/7 mobile crisis response in San Mateo County. An emphasis will be placed on exploring the least invasive interventions that will most effectively keep those in crisis safe.

  • Youth SOS Informational Presentation 

    • An evidence-based program for middle and high school students (grades 6–12, or ages 12-18) that teaches how to recognize warning signs of suicide and depression. The SOS model encourages students to ACT® (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if they are concerned about themselves or a friend. Designed to fit into a single class period, it can be taught in many settings, from Health/PE classes to camps and youth groups.

  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) — Adults, Youth, Teens

    • This evidence-based training teaches participants how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Using interactive activities, videos, and community-specific scenarios, attendees learn practical skills to provide initial support and connect others with appropriate professional help. Separate courses are available for adults, adults working with youth, and teens.

  • 988 Informational Presentation

    • This presentation explains the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including what happens when someone calls or texts, who responds, and how the service connects people to local crisis resources.

To schedule a training, use the form below to send us the parameters.

We will follow-up via email to coordinate confirmation of the presentation or if more information is needed to meet your request.

For general inquires, contact us.

Open Training Request Form

Our Information

Our Mailing Address:

Felton Institute, East Bay Headquarters
Attn: San Mateo Suicide Prevention (SMSP)
1005 Atlantic Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501

Our Contact Information:

Email: smsp@felton.org

How Can Training Strengthen Your Team?

“I learned that direct questions don’t ‘plant a seed’. We explored the importance of being collaborative and how to respect the client /student’s agency, even during emergency response. I no longer feel afraid to explore minimally invasive responses (with proper consultation). I love this training and I feel better prepared.”

— School-Based Mental Health Therapist

“I found the overall conceptualization of suicidal ideation in this presentation to be helpful. We discussed the different levels of least invasive interventions we can explore and the importance and emphasis on collaboration with the individual. The presenter emphasized the importance of grounding in what is best for the client as opposed to clinicians or staff reacting to their own worry or anxiousness around the situation. Super concrete and applicable!”

— San Mateo County Middle School Teacher

“It was a fantastic presentation & presenter! In this presentation, I learned the importance of being direct about asking about suicide and I was not aware of 988 but today I learned what it is and how to use it. I appreciated the debunking of myths and sharing out the appropriate way to refer to death by suicide.”

— Local Community-Based Therapist

“Your content was helpful, and I was glad to see the teachers and administration discussing protocols as a result of the Q&A portion. That would not have happened if not for you leading us!”

— San Mateo County School-Based Wellness Coordinator

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