A: No, almost all of our training and consultation is delivered on site, at the agency/system and/or via teleconference or videoconference. We do provide workshops at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University as well as visits, sabbaticals and internships for individuals or groups on a variety of topics from research to service delivery.
A: The length of the training varies according to the intended outcome of the training and the number of training content areas. Learning new knowledge takes less time than learning new skills. The time ranges from as little as 1-2 hours to several days, spread over several months. We work with agencies/systems to design a training program that will produce the desired outcomes in the most efficient manner possible.
The consultation is also designed individually for your setting, based on your goals, desired outcomes and local context. Typically, changing an agency takes less time than changing an entire system.
A: The cost varies according to the number of days of training and the related travel expenses. The daily rate decreases as the number of days involved increases.
A: We provide training to all disciplines, people with no degree or advanced degrees, people who receive services, and family members. We tailor our training content and activities to fit the needs of the trainees.
A: We distinguish between different types of desired outcomes. Improvements in knowledge can be accomplished by exposure training — basically talks, seminars etc. Improvements in attitudes and understanding can be accomplished by experiential workshops or study visits. Improvements in competencies can be accomplished by expertise training which involves presentations, demonstrations and supervised practice for each component to be learned.
A: We deliver training both online and in person. In person training can be delivered in a classroom setting and “at elbow” in the trainee’s work setting. For competency training, we can begin either online or in person and then design practices to apply the skills learned in the classroom, and then follow-up with the trainee in her/his setting or via telephone to give feedback and instruction.
A: In our experience the use of videotapes and audiotapes as a substitute for actual participation in Skills Development Training is not effective, so we do not allow this practice. For Knowledge-based Training (e.g., lectures, seminars), arrangements for taping will be considered on an individual basis.
A: Any material developed specifically for your agency (e.g., PowerPoint slides, worksheets, handouts) may be copied, but distribution is limited to your organization. Any copyright training material used in your training (e.g., manuals, handbooks, practitioner tools, trainer guides) may not be copied.