From Hesitation to Help, developed by Cohen Veterans Network with support from Face the Fight, is setting a new standard in suicide prevention training for mental health professionals. This three-hour, self-paced program addresses critical gaps in traditional education by providing actionable, practical strategies for counseling around lethal means, including firearms. Notably, over 1,080 personnel nationwide have completed the training, including CVN clinical staff. The impact is clear: 97% of participants felt all learning objectives were met, 98% reported enhanced professional expertise, and 99% would recommend the course to colleagues.
What sets this training apart is its strong focus on cultural competence and inclusivity. Content includes strategies tailored to the needs of military and veteran women and integrates firearm cultural competency, ensuring that clinicians have both the tools and cultural understanding needed for sensitive, effective conversations. Structured role-play videos, case examples, and interactive activities allow professionals to practice asking tough questions and develop confidence in real-world situations.
Trainees repeatedly highlight the value and relevance of the program. One participant said, “This was one of the best trainings I’ve been to in a very long time — thank you!” Another praised its inclusivity: “I appreciated the section on veteran women as they can be overlooked sometimes.” Experienced professionals noted the immediate applicability of the skills provided, describing the training as “the most helpful to everyday practice.” For an in-depth look at the results, read the complete evaluation summary here.
Access the LMS Toolkit tailored for military-affiliated women here.