Courses
Each course follows the official curriculum of its national program. Group sessions can be scheduled for your organization.
Mental Health First Aid (Adult)
A skills-based course that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in adults.
Who it's for
- Anyone 18+ who wants to support coworkers, neighbors, family or congregation members
- Employers, churches, first responders, county staff
Length & format
- 7.5 hours of training
- In person (one day), or Blended: 2-hour self-paced online course plus a 5.5-hour instructor-led session (online or in person)
- Discussion, exercises, videos and role-play
What attendees get
- A practical action plan for helping someone in distress or crisis
- Course materials (digital or printed)
- Mental Health First Aider certification on completion
Program details: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Teaches adults how to help adolescents ages 12–18 who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis.
Who it's for
- Teachers, school staff, coaches, youth leaders
- Parents, caregivers and other adults who work with youth
Length & format
- In person: about 6.5 hours
- Blended: 2-hour self-paced online course plus a 4.5-hour instructor-led session (online or in person)
What attendees get
- An action plan for supporting young people
- Course materials
- Youth Mental Health First Aider certification on completion
Program details: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention
QPR Gatekeeper Training teaches three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide: Question, Persuade, and Refer.
Who it's for
- Anyone — parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, supervisors, first responders
- Groups who are positioned to notice someone at risk
Length & format
- Gatekeeper course taught by a certified QPR instructor
- Can be learned in as little as one hour; 1–2 hours recommended to allow practice
- In person or online
What attendees get
- How to recognize the warning signs of suicide
- How to offer hope and get help
- QPR booklet and wallet card review materials
Program details: www.qprinstitute.com
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS)
A skills-based responsible alcohol service program that helps servers and sellers prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. TIPS is on the South Dakota Department of Revenue's list of approved alcohol training programs.
Who it's for
- On-Premise: bartenders, servers, managers at bars, restaurants, event venues
- Off-Premise: clerks and managers at liquor, grocery and convenience stores
Length & format
- On-Premise is about a 3-hour program
- Instructor-led classroom or live online session, followed by the certification exam
What attendees get
- Strategies for checking IDs and handling intoxicated guests
- TIPS certification on passing the exam (typically valid 3 years; varies by jurisdiction)
Program details: www.gettips.com
TAM (Techniques of Alcohol Management)
A responsible alcohol service program offered in South Dakota through the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota and approved by the SD Department of Revenue. Under SD law, a licensee whose employees attended an approved program may be eligible for a reduced penalty for a sale to someone under 21.
Who it's for
- On-sale and off-sale liquor license holders and their staff
- Servers, bartenders, clerks and managers
Length & format
- Three hours of training
- 20-question exam; passing score 75% or higher
What attendees get
- Laws and ethics, effects of alcohol, recognizing intoxication, checking IDs and handling disturbances
- Certification card issued to participants who pass
Program details: dor.sd.gov