CRMGTPV X047 - Motivational Interviewing Basics for 988
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.
Delivery Options
This training is constructed as a non-interactive, video-based asynchronous distance learning training.
Time to Completion
Total Asynchronous Time is approximately 2.75 hours.
Training Completion Requirements
- Participants must submit a pre-training survey, complete all coursework requirements, and pass the training post-test with a score of at least 80%. Unlimited attempts are allowed.
- The post-training evaluation survey will be immediately available once the required coursework and post-test are finished, and the evaluation must be completed to receive CE credit.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Computer, laptop, or tablet capable of accessing online course materials
- Ability to stream video and interactive content
- Recommended browsers: Google Chrome or Firefox
Additional Technology Information
This course uses H5P to provide interactive course content to learners in the form of interactive videos, interactive presentations, and more. If you require assistance in or experience difficulties completing assignments that use H5P, please contact the COM Digital Accessibility Coordinator at DigitalAccessibility@osumc.edu. Accommodation and assistance will be arranged for you as appropriate free from penalty.
What You’ll Learn
- 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.
What You’ll Earn
- This training is approved for 2.75 CE clock hours for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists in the state of Ohio.
Social workers completing this training will receive 2.75 clinical continuing education clock hours under ACE.
Additional Information
Development Date: May 2026
Target Audience: 988 crisis call line staff and other human services professionals
Content Level: Beginner
Training Outline
- Introduction to MI
- Ambivalence and the stages of change
- The five principles of MI
- Role-play videos: How to develop discrepancy and roll with resistance
- Key elements of MI
- Core skills of MI
Instructor
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.
Continuing Education Approvals
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.
The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: 1628), is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The Ohio State College of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 4/30/25-4/30/28. Social workers completing this course receive 2.75 clinical continuing education credits.
Certificates & CE Reporting
CE certificates will be available for download in your learner portal within 1 business day after submitting the evaluation survey.
Hours for those with Ohio licenses that are submitted with the evaluation survey will be reported to CE Broker every 14 days (twice per month).
⚠️ Note: You may only complete this training once for CE credit. You may revisit the content, but only one certificate will be issued and credit will only be reported to CE Broker one time.
Cancellations, Refunds, Grievances, Accessibility Requests & Learning
Please visit the Policies section of our website for more information on our processes for cancellations, refunds, grievances, training completions & certificates, participant conduct, and accessibility requests and learning accommodations.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you require an accommodation to participate in this training, please contact CSW Accessibility as early as possible and in advance of the training start date by email at csw-accessibility@osu.edu or call 614-688-1657. Requests received at least 14-days prior to the date you plan to begin a training will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the College will make every effort to meet requests that we receive regardless of lead time.
Contact Us
For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or training records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about the training content or delivery format, please contact the 988 training team at 988trainings@osu.edu. For questions related to the training content, our office will facilitate communication with the training instructor on your behalf and connect you, if applicable. Presenter contact information will be provided within the training for questions, feedback, or comments.
Email: 988trainings@osu.edu
Website: csw.osu.edu/continuing-education/988-lifeline-series