Training Programs
Evidence-based education for behavioral health professionals who serve on the front lines- rooted in clinical skill, therapeutic communication, and real-world experience.
Why Philos Therapeutic
At Philos Therapeutic, we believe clinical excellence starts with human connection. Our trainings are designed for professionals and paraprofessionals working in high-stakes, emotionally charged environments— delivered by someone who’s been there.
I’m Jess Montoya, Registered Nurse and former Licensed Psychiatric Technician with over two decades of experience in Mental Health. From Crisis Stabilization Units, to Correctional Facilities, to outpatient recovery, I’ve trained and worked alongside the very professionals I now serve.
Our goal is simple: to equip clinicians with tools that actually work in the real world— and to do it in a way that feels respectful, clear, and grounded in evidence.
Customized Trainings for Real-World Impact
Whether you’re delivering field-based crisis care, facilitating group therapy, or managing a therapeutic milieu, Philos Therapeutic offers specialized training grounded in clinical experience and front-line realities. All sessions are designed with practical application, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed principles in mind. All sessions can be tailored to various levels of acuity based on the program.
Core Clinical & Communication Modules:
Therapeutic Communication & Deescalation Training (Most Popular)
This eight-hour training is designed to reduce staff-driven incidents and improve clinical outcomes by strengthening therapeutic communication practices. Participants will identify common barriers to effective communication, learn evidence-based techniques to build rapport, and develop strategies to establish trust with clients across levels of care.
Staff will also gain practical tools for delivering feedback in a clear, compassionate, and clinically appropriate manner—empowering them to address maladaptive behaviors confidently while maintaining therapeutic alliance.
🛡️ Safety Training & Situational Awareness for Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRTs)
Field-based mental health care requires situational awareness, clear communication, and calm decision-making. This training equips Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) members with skills to assess safety risks in real time, navigate unpredictable situations, and maintain team communication under pressure. Topics include nonverbal cue recognition, scene scanning, spatial awareness, and collaborative de-escalation—all grounded in trauma-informed and safety-conscious practice.
🗣️ Group Facilitation for Nurses, Mental Health Workers, and Paraprofessionals
This interactive training equips staff with the knowledge and tools to confidently lead psychoeducational and skills-based groups in a variety of behavioral health settings.
Participants will examine group stages and dynamics, define the role of the facilitator, and practice techniques to promote engagement, participation, and therapeutic value.
The course also covers active listening strategies, legal and ethical responsibilities, and managing challenging group behaviors—all essential components for creating safe, structured, and clinically effective group experiences.
💊 Psychotropic Medications, Side Effects, & Nursing Implications
This training provides a practical overview of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications, with a focus on side effects, monitoring responsibilities, and clinical implications for nursing and direct care staff.
Participants will learn how to identify early warning signs of adverse reactions, communicate concerns effectively, and promote medication adherence in a respectful, client-centered way.
The session includes real-world scenarios, documentation tips, and strategies for collaboration with prescribers and interdisciplinary teams.
*Optional module on LAIs can be included.
🧠 Mental Health 101 for Nurses and Support Staff
This training is ideal for nurses, paraprofessionals, and support staff new to behavioral health care. Participants will receive a foundational overview of common mental health diagnoses, therapeutic communication principles, and client-centered support strategies.
*Optional modules include documentation in behavioral health settings and an introduction to psychotropic medications and their nursing implications.
The training promotes confidence, compassion, and clinical readiness in new staff entering into behavioral health environments.
🧭 Triage and Risk Assessment on the Phone
This training prepares clinicians and crisis responders to conduct effective triage and safety clearance on the phones. Participants will learn to evaluate mental status, assess risk factors for harm to self or others, determine the most appropriate level of care, assess the scene for safety, and coordinate response strategies. Emphasis is placed on practical decision-making, documentation, and communication within interdisciplinary teams and emergency systems.
Optional training in BEACON dispatch system and Mitel phone operations.
📋 Risk Assessment & Safety Planning in the Field
Participants will explore strategies for conducting real-time risk assessments and co-creating safety plans with clients in community-based or high-stress environments. This training includes structured tools, clinical decision-making models, and communication techniques to promote buy-in and follow-through. Topics include protective factor exploration, harm-reduction strategies, and alignment with legal/agency protocols.
🚐 Fleet Safety Training for Mental Health Teams
Designed for behavioral health teams who transport clients or operate outreach vehicles, this training focuses on safe driving practices, emergency preparedness, and vehicle inspection protocols. Participants will review defensive driving techniques, strategies for client transport safety, and agency-specific fleet policies. The training promotes personal accountability, situational awareness, and professional responsibility behind the wheel.
Training Programs 