Company-based training:
"Certified Psychological First Responder"
Further training for
"Psychological first aid in the workplace"
"First responders are lay helpers who provide immediate support to those affected – usually within 24 hours – after a psychologically stressful event. Other related terms are psychological first responders or psychologically trained first responders." (Source: DGUV)
The "Psychological First Aider" or "Psychological First Responder" is the first point of contact in companies, teams and groups when people are out of their mental balance, in exceptional psychological states, or have even experienced traumatic events.
In-house training for employers
In-house training either online, in person, or as blended learningfor a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 or 16 participants.
In-house training either online, in person, or as blended learning
We currently offer the training to become a "Psychological First Aider at the Workplace" in two versions,
Both events can be held online, in person, or as blended learning:
1. Two-day training course (16 units of 45 minutes each)
Content based on the guidelines of the German statutory accident insurance:
"Standards in workplace psychological first aid (bpE) or psychological first aid in cases of traumatic events"as well as the "standards in dealing with traumatic events operational (DGUV Information 206-017, published in March 2025) for example through accidents or robberies.
Upon completion, all participants receive a training certificate.
2. Individual training with industry-specific content (1-2 days)
This one-day training course is primarily aimed at employers whose employees mainly
Office and administrative tasks exert and increase the psychological stress rather through
Overload, too high
Workload or
Time pressure arises with resulting symptoms such as
chronic stress, burnout, depression or anxiety disorders.
In this version, all content can be individually tailored to your requirements.
The theoretical introductory lecture can optionally be held in advance at a separate appointment (online only).
Upon completion, all participants receive a training certificate.
Legal obligations
Since 2013, according to Section 5.6 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers – regardless of the number of employees – are legally obligated to carry out a so-called "risk assessment of psychological stress at the workplace" (PsychGB).
As part of the employee surveys, in addition to physical influences such as light, noise and dust, psycho-social conditions in the workplace such as task clarification, communication in the team or leadership skills are also analyzed.
Subsequently, appropriate measures are developed to minimize risks and have suitable services available. This also includes the provision of so-called "psychological first responders".
Contents:
Dealing with those affected
In accidents involving physical injuries, it is clear to everyone that immediate action must be taken, and most people know what to do next.
When it comes to mental “injuries,” however, the situation is usually different—colleagues or supervisors look away, act condescendingly, or make comments such as “It'll be fine” or even “Don't be so dramatic.”
Mental disorders can be just as limiting to everyday professional and private life as physical disorders, which is why it is just as important to take action early on.
Tasks and objectives
“Company mental health first responders” have an important role to play within the company – they are called upon as first responders in exceptional situations involving significant psychological stress, such as violence in the workplace, an accident, or an assault, or they are actively contacted as the central point of contact for those affected, for example, as part of the company's health management program.
Crises in a professional context, such as chronic overload, bullying, escalating conflicts, or even an ac
Safety specialists, company doctors, representatives from HR or health management, and managers in particular can expand their knowledge here and keep a close eye on changes in the behavior of their employees and colleagues in their groups and teams.
In our seminars, you will learn the basics about mental disorders and their symptoms, as well as how to deal with employees who are under stress. You will also receive advice on how to proceed in the event of further treatment options and emergencies.
Legal requirements
Since 2013, a so-called "risk assessment of psychological stress at the workplace" (PsychGB for short) has been legally required. As part of an employee survey, potential traumatic events are identified, and a support concept and an emergency plan are developed.
However, employers are not (yet) obliged to train and appoint a so-called "psychological first aider".
In many cases, however, initial psychological support is helpful to provide timely and local support to people under stress – because the sooner you act, the higher the likelihood that those affected will find a healthy way of dealing with acute stress and/or subsequently seek professional help.
2-day training
Content based on DGUV guidelines for traumatic experiences such as accidents or assaults.
The following content is taught theoretically and practiced practically in small groups during the training:
- 1. Introduction and clarification of terms (3 units):
Initial psychological support, potentially traumatic events, stress and strain reactions, psychological trauma (3 units) - 2. Interventions (9 units):
Procedures and systematic approaches in dealing with affected individuals, communication and conversation skills, dealing with indirectly affected individuals (9 teaching units) - 3. Initial workplace psychological support (3 units):
Self-image, role and boundaries, self-protection, legal foundations (3 units) - 4. Operational concept (1 unit):
Company rescue chain, company aftercare concepts, workplace accident
According to the DGUV guidelines, at least 8 and at most 12 psychological first responders should participate in a training course.
The following employers' liability insurance associations offer subsidies or funding opportunities:
Trade and Logistics Employers' Liability Insurance Association
Federal and Railway Accident Insurance
Funding is limited and only applies to the current calendar year. Furthermore, the application must be submitted within a certain timeframe. before be placed in training. In addition, they should already Risk assessments Regarding traumatic events, a corresponding care concept and an emergency plan must be available.
1-day training course
Content based on specific stresses, primarily due to excessive workload, overwork, or deadline pressure
In this training course to become a "Psychological First Aider for Employers", you will learn the most important basics about the origin, course and main symptoms of the most common mental disorders, as well as possible first aid and further treatment methods.
This training option is aimed at companies or employers and industries, primarily aimed at employers whose employees mainly perform office and administrative tasks and in whom traumatic events are therefore less likely, but psychological stress is increased by other challenges such as in complaint management, in veterinary/medical practices or in nursing.
Even in everyday office life, above-average stresses such as excessive workload, tight deadlines, working from home or bullying can lead to lasting psychological disorders such as burnout, anxiety disorders or phobias - the challenge here is the early detection and the provision of recommendations for action by the personnel department / HR, the company doctor, the works council or the relevant manager.
The content can be adapted to your individual circumstances.
Starting in 2026, we will also offer training courses for “company mental health first responders” as open online events for multiple employers.
This means you can register just one or a few participants from your company with us, and they will benefit from the perspectives and experiences of other industries.
DATES 2026
Dates for 2026 for our
One-day training course to become a "Workplace Psychological First Aider" for companies
Focus on "Overload and chronic stress".
coming soon.
Your instructor
your Trainer
Birgit Schwinn–
Training as a “company mental health first responder” can be usefully supplemented with the 4-day online training course to become a “mental health supporter.”
Submit a request
Important questions to ask beforehand:
- Do you already have a so-called "Risk assessment of psychological stress at the workplace"(PsychGB) conducted and typical challenges identified?"
- In which specialist areas Should the "psychological first responders" be deployed in areas such as offices and administration, production, field service, etc.?
- Which target group should be trained, and do the employees to be trained already have experience? Prior knowledge (e.g., company doctor, occupational health management, etc.) or have you completed training as a "company first aider" (in case of accidents)?
Simply fill in the required form fields on the right –