Fall 2025 Virtual Trainings from the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative

Behind the Scenes is offering a variety of upcoming virtual trainings to help provide you with the information and skills to identify and assist when your colleagues are struggling with a mental health or substance use issue or are the target of bullying and harassment. These trainings are part of the BTS Mental Health Initiative which seeks to create healthier, safer workplaces and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry.

Bullying, harassment, and intimidation are common workplace stressors throughout all sectors of the entertainment industry. These behaviors create unsafe and unhealthy workplaces for everyone. In just 90 minutes you can learn five easily accessible tools to safely intervene when you see a co-worker being bullied or harassed. This interactive webinar uses entertainment industry scenarios to help you understand how to choose tools to fit the situation and your comfort level.

The webinar on Friday, October 17th is free but advance registration at btshelp.org/bystander is required in order to receive the zoom login. This webinar, which is open to all entertainment industry workers, is presented by Right To Be and sponsored by the IATSE International.

Substance misuse has reached epidemic proportions in our society and in our industry. It's very likely you have, or will, encounter someone with this problem in your workplace -- it could be anyone: a co-worker, a manager, or someone who reports to you.

In this interactive webinar, developed by industry professionals with lived experience and an addiction specialist, you will learn tips and tools to assist you in responding to this type of situation including how to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction, how to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about, what if they don't want to stop, and treatment options and industry resources. The webinar covers situations where you may work with the person regularly and those where you may see them for just a day or two on a job, as well as addressing union obligations and employer obligations.

The webinar on Monday, November 17 at 7pm ET is free but advance registration at btshelp.org/workplace is required in order to receive the login.

Almost 1,800 entertainment industry professionals are making a difference in their workplaces as certified Mental Health First Aiders. MHFA has taken the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, taught how to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance, and how to refer to appropriate professional support. Join them in knowing how to provide peer support to colleagues during difficult times. You'll also find you can use what you learn every day in your interactions with others.

Upcoming trainings are September 21, October 5, and November 16. Learn more and register at btshelp.org/mhfa. The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a 2 hour self-paced online course that must be completed prior to an interactive 6 hour virtual, live instructor-led session. The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement.

Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources in our Mental Health Initiative.