Early Winter Virtual Trainings from the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative

​The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative is offering a variety of upcoming virtual trainings to help provide people with the information and skills to identify and assist when their colleagues are struggling with a mental health or substance use issue or are the target of bullying and harassment. BTS seeks to create safer workplaces and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry

Mental Health First Aid

MHFA training takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, teaches how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer to appropriate professional support.

The first Mental Health First Aid virtual classes for 2025 are posted for January 13 and 24 and February 2 at btshelp.org/mhfa. The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a two-hour, self-paced online course that must be completed prior to an interactive 6 hour virtual, live instructor-led session.

The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement. Private group classes of 10 to 25 are available. Contact mhfa@btshelp.org for information.

Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Workplace

Have you ever witnessed a co-worker being bullied or intimated and would like to know how you could safely intervene? In 90 minutes you will learn five easy tools for use in any workplace to safely intervene without the worry of retaliation. Entertainment industry scenarios will help you understand how to choose tools to match your comfort level. The webinar is free but advance registration at btshelp.org/bystander is required in order to receive the zoom login. Upcoming 2025 dates are January 27 at 7:00 pm ET, April 27 at 4:00 pm ET, and July 28 at 7:00 pm ET.

Dealing with Alcohol and Substance Use Issues

In this interactive webinar you will learn tips and tools to assist you in responding to alcohol and substance use issues in the workplace, including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, what to do if they don’t want to stop, and treatment options and industry resources. The webinar, on February 10th at 7:00 pm ET, is free but advance registration is required in order to receive the login. Registration is open now at btshelp.org/workplace . Organizations interested in a private webinar should contact mh@btshelp.org.

Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see the tools and resources available in the Mental Health Initiative.