Motivational Interviewing Basics for 988 Call Specialists
Description
This training covers Motivational Interviewing (MI) theory and techniques, with the goal of teaching participants how to motivate resistant callers and clients to make positive changes and decrease ambivalence. The session will review the five principles, key elements and core skills of MI theory. The training will also provide role–play video examples and discuss how to address the language of change. MI techniques to use with callers on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will also be shared.
Target Audience: 988 crisis call line staff and other human services professionals
This training is approved for 3 continuing education clock hours for counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers in the state of Ohio.
Deadline for registration is May 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Content Level
Beginner
Learning Objectives
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the stages of change.
- Define ambivalence.
- Identify the five principles of MI.
- Identify examples of the language of change.
- Describe MI techniques that can be used with 988 callers.
Agenda
- 9 a.m. : Moderator introduction
- 9:05 a.m. : Review agenda and objectives
- 9:10 a.m. : Introduction to MI
- 9:30 a.m. : Ambivalence and the stages of change
- 10 a.m. : The five principles of MI
- 10:30 a.m. : 15-minute break
- 10:45 a.m. : Q&A
- 10:50 a.m. : Role-play videos: How to develop discrepancy and roll with resistance
- 11:15 a.m. : Key elements of MI
- 11:45 a.m. : Core skills of MI
- 12:05 p.m. : Q&A
- 12:10 p.m. : Moderator conclusion
- 12:!5 p.m. : Close
Presented by:
Natalie Varrone, LPCC-S
Therapist/Supervisor at North Coast Family Foundation
Natalie Varrone, LPCC-S, is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from The Ohio State University. She began her career working as a dual diagnosis counselor in addictions at a community mental health agency. Subsequently, she began working as a counselor in schools, and then supervising a school-based counseling program at a non-profit agency. Varrone currently works at a private practice providing counseling and supervision services, writing blog posts and presenting continuing education trainings. Her primary area of focus is treating trauma/PTSD in women and teen girls. Other areas of interest include depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, life adjustments and interpersonal difficulties. She frequently uses a strengths-based, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral approach in therapy.
Training Completion Requirements
- Participants are required to stay logged in for the Q&A portion of the training for successful completion, as it is part of the educational portion of this training.
- Training completion is based on timed attendance as tracked by Zoom.
- Each participant must complete a training evaluation within TWO (2) business days of the session, by the deadline stated during the training.
- Certificates will be emailed to participants within 7 business days to those who meet training requirements.
- Participants who submit an active and eligible license number issued by the Ohio CSWMFT Board and/or the Ohio CDP Board will be reported to CE Broker within 14 business days.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. You may request accommodation or inquire about accessibility as part of the Zoom registration process or by emailing our 988 training team at 988trainings@osu.edu.
Each of our live virtual trainings will include live captioning provided by Verbit/Automatic Sync Technologies (AST).
Please contact us at 988trainings@osu.edu should you need further assistance.
Contact Information
Please contact our 988 training team via email at 988trainings@osu.edu with any questions or concerns.
Accreditation
The Ohio State University College of Social Work provides approvals for continuing education for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists that are accepted by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board.