Mental Health Crisis Response Education and Applied Training Program

The MHCR features:

• An evidence-based curriculum that has been created through multiple years of scientific research and development, as well as testing and validation. Study results to date have clearly demonstrated improved outcomes in police officers’ de-escalation skills, confidence, empathy, and reduced bias toward people with mental health and substance use problems upon program completion.
• A comprehensive training and education package that is easily accessible through a hybrid model consisting of a foundational online curriculum, active scenario-based learning in classroom contexts and assessment scenarios. This format brings together optimal forms of scenario-based training and adult learning through applied, observational, and group problem-solving methods.
• A design model based on iterative user testing across Ontario police services. All training scenarios are fully immersive, based on actual encounters between police and individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These scenarios are designed to prepare officers for what they will actually encounter in the field.

The program is guided by the DePICT™ model, a built-in and validated assessment tool that measures de-escalation competencies specific to policing and highlights targeted skills integral to working with people in crisis. Trainers assess and evaluate trainees through a comparative analysis of pre- and post-scenario training competencies while providing a guide for targeted debriefing to support formative learning, reinforce de-escalation techniques, and identify specific areas to focus on for continued skills development.

The MHCR evolved through a community co-design framework. This approach is characterized by a working relationship between professionals and citizens, where each party plays a pivotal role in informing best practices to improve the quality of life for people and communities (Slay & Stephens, 2013). Collaboration cannot be understated with respect to mental health and substance use crises, given that these particular concerns exceed the capacity of any singular discipline and are community-based issues.

As such, the MHCR was created by a trans-disciplinary team of over 40 individuals including:

• persons with lived experience
• mental health professionals, including clinicians, nurses, mobile crisis response team members, and forensic psychologists
• researchers, academics, students and simulation experts
• Indigenous cultural safety and anti-discrimination experts
• defensive tactics and use of force trainers, and members of the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s ETT Community of Practice

Consequently, the program focuses on the relational policing approach, which emphasizes a genuine and personalized response.

Relational policing is:

• humanized
• person-centred
• procedural justice
• empathy
• trauma-informed
• mental health and crisis awareness
• cultural safety

The MHCR is a homegrown curriculum that is culturally, geographically, and jurisdictionally relevant to the needs of Ontario citizens and police officers. The program offers a rigorous response and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the recommendations made in the Ontario Ombudsman’s (2016) report “A Matter of Life and Death: Investigation into the Direction Provided by the Ministry of the Solicitor General to Ontario’s Police Services for De-escalation of Conflict Situations.”

This domestic approach to crisis de-escalation is particularly important given the unique landscape of policing and mental health in Canada. As a community-designed curriculum, the MHCR reflects local training priorities, protocols, vocabulary, and province-wide stakeholder investment. It emphasizes relational policing, an award winning framework centred on officers offering a genuine and personalized response to people in crisis, conveying empathy and concern for wellbeing, and taking the necessary time to cultivate a connection and build trust while managing safety risks.

A hallmark of this approach is encouraging the person in crisis to collaborate on ways to peacefully resolve the situation together with the officer. Relational policing is multifaceted in its approach and includes humanized, person-centred, procedurally just, empathetic, informed, and culturally safe modes of engagement (Lavoie et al., 2022).

Training Capacity 

Is there capacity to train enough officers to deliver the MHCR? 

Yes. We currently have capacity for both the MHCR Train-the-Trainer (MCHR-T3) course and the White Glove Service. Most training dates have available spaces, and additional trainings will be added based on demand. Therefore, services are encouraged to connect with the MHCR team as soon as possible to receive first choice training options. Please note that waiting to plan and/or book training until the legislation deadline may result in less flexible options for your service. Each service shall have at least one MHCR-T3 qualified instructor to support delivery, remediation, record keeping, and to confirm officer qualification in accordance with the mandate 

A supplemental option is our White Glove service, where Laurier-trained MHCR instructors will facilitate the complete in-person training and offer evaluation services using University-owned virtual reality equipment.  

To view upcoming MHCR-T3 training dates, visit the MHCR-T3 page. 

To reserve a spot in MHCR-T3 or book the White Glove Service, email: mhcr@wlu.ca 

Training Delivery Options & Costs 

What are the available delivery options for MHCR, and what are the costs? 

There are two options for Ontario Police Services: 

• Option 1: Train-the-Trainer (MHCR-T3) 

• Designate officers from your service to become certified MHCR instructors. 

• Cost: $1,500 per instructor (includes access to online modules + 3 days of in-person training). 

• Individual services are responsible for coordinating live actors or purchasing VR equipment. 

• Option 2: White Glove Service 

• Laurier-trained MHCR instructors will facilitate the complete in-person training and offer evaluation services using University-owned virtual reality equipment. 

• Full-service and partial-service options are available.  

• $330 per officer, minimum 10 learners per day 

Need help choosing between delivery models? We’re happy to help you evaluate the most cost-effective option for your service. 

White Glove Service 

What does the White Glove Service include? 

Laurier-trained MHCR instructors will facilitate the complete in-person training and offer evaluation services using University-owned virtual reality equipment. We also offer instructor support: our Cadre can work alongside your MHCR-T3 instructors. Note that each service shall have at least one MHCR-T3 qualified instructor to support delivery, remediation, record keeping, and to confirm officer qualification in accordance with the mandate.  

To request training, email mhcr@wlu.ca with your preferred dates and number of learners. 

MHCR Course, Certification and Requalification 

How do we register our members for the MHCR and MHCR Requalification? 

Each service designates an MHCR Administrator to enroll members through Laurier’s secure portal. Contact mhcr@wlu.ca to set this up. 

What topics are covered in the online modules? 

1. Mental Illness & Crisis – Understanding mental health calls and crisis. 

1. De-escalation & Relational Policing – Techniques and strategies. 

1. Modern Policing Context – Societal attitudes and bias. 

1. Focus on Race – Race, crisis, and bias in police interactions. 

What is a forum scenario? 

This is the course curriculum and replaces traditional lecture format. A series of 90-minute in person sessions are available that use group problem-solving, and active and observational learning to meet training objectives.  Trainees discuss and practice targeted competencies related to crisis response and alternatives to the use of force, guided by insights from police, individuals with lived experience, mental health professionals and other stakeholders. 

What are evaluation scenarios? 

These 20-minute tests (7 minute scenario, setup and debrief) rely on standardized asessment through scoring 14 DePICT™ competencies. Officers must score "Satisfactory" in selected target competencies to pass the evaluation. 

When must officers reattempt MHCR evaluations? 

Officers not meeting the standard will receive immediate feedback from instructors and retake the scenario. Evaluations are also reattempted when officer safety is compromised in earlier attempts. Follow your police service’s internal training policies to guide remedial action as required. 

What if someone fails online quizzes multiple times? 

Contact Laurier for a reset and debrief with a training officer. *Additional fees may apply. 

When do trainees access online modules? 

It is recommended that online modules be accessed 30 days prior to scheduled in-person training. All online quizzes must be completed prior to in-person training. 

How should records and compliance be tracked? 

It is the responsibility of each service to track and ensure officers complete the online modules. Online module certificates must be presented to the trainer prior to in-person training. The trainer should track and keep all records of in-person training, particularly notes related to the evaluation scenario score and feedback.  

Can the forum and evaluation phases of the MHCR course be scheduled separately? 

Yes. However, we recommend evaluation scenarios be completed within 3 months of the forum session. 

Does the course content change yearly? 

Updates are made annually to reflect new research and policies, but core content remains consistent. 

Virtual Reality (VR) Delivery 

Is VR required? 

No. Both VR and live actor delivery methods are valid and supported by research (Lavoie et al., 2023). Services may choose their preferred method. 

Can other VR platforms be used? 

No. Only Street Smarts VR (SSVR) or live actors may be used for in-person training scenarios. 

Live Actor Delivery 

What do actors need to implement MHCR scenarios? 

Comprehensive information regarding MHCR delivery using live actors is available in the MHCR-T3 course.  

• Thorough role preparation and rehearsal time  

• Consistency in performance to maintain learning objectives 

• Actors must match required phenotypic traits and demonstrate authenticity—essential for challenging bias and ensuring cultural safety learning objectives are met. 

Where can I find actors? 

Recruit from local universities, colleges, community theatres, cultural centers, actor union websites, standardized patient programs etc. Compensation ranges from $35–$150+/hour. Volunteer actors are also an option used by many services in Ontario. 

Do actors need to be professionals? 

No, but the research supporting MHCR effectiveness is based on professional actors. If professionals aren't used, selected actors must match required phenotypic traits and demonstrate authenticity—especially important for challenging bias and ensuring cultural safety. 

How many actors are needed? 

This varies by scenario. Most scenarios require multiple trained actors. Information on casting requirements can be found in the T3 Facilitation Guide.  

MHCR Train-the-Trainer (T3) 

What is MHCR-T3? 

A hybrid program that certifies officers to deliver MHCR training and administer requalification. T3 instructors must also meet the mandated requirements for MHCR certification. 

Who can ideally participate in the MHCR-T3 training? 

Ontario police officers or other professionals associated with the police service in a first responder or training role.  Ideal candidates include police trainers, crisis responders, mental health officers, victim services, and mental health professionals. 

How is the MHCR-T3 structured? 

• 3 online units and tests completed prior to in-person training 

• 3 days of in-person demonstrations, rehearsals, tests, and feedback 

How often is T3 offered? 

Multiple times per year. MHCR personnel are open to travel to services with 20–25 MHCR-T3 learners. 

How do we register for the MHCR T3? 

Each service designates an MHCR Administrator to enroll members through a secure portal. Contact mhcr@wlu.ca to set this up. 

What happens if online units aren’t completed prior to the start of the MHCR-T3 training? 

In-person attendance is not permitted without completed online modules and tests. No refunds will be issued. Requests for deferral due to extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 

What certification do participants of the MHCR –T3 training receive? 

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Laurier’s Centre for Public Safety and Well-Being. (Annual peer evaluation on de-escalation skills using DePICT™ is required to maintain compliance) 

Is this MHCR-T3 certification required for MHCR delivery? 

Yes. All instructors delivering MHCR must complete MHCR-T3 and ongoing evaluations. 

What is the MHCR-T3 Refresher Course (T3-R)? 

Every 3 years, T3-certified instructors must complete T3-R to remain certified. T3 instructors must also meet the mandated requirements for MHCR certification annually.  

Where can MHCR instructors access training resources? 

Certified instructors receive access to Laurier’s Community Hub with facilitator guides, manuals, and updates after completion of the MHCR-T3 course.