Communication skills

About this training 

Communication Strategies for Families and Caregivers is for people who are supporting an adult loved one who is living with a serious mental illness. The training reviews how to have more effective conversations with your loved one, especially when things get tense, or the topic is hard.     

This FREE online training is organized into four parts, including a brief introduction, that you can pause and come back to as your time and schedule allows. The modules are brief and available whenever it’s most convenient for you. It is best to complete the modules in order. 

Estimated length: approximately 60 minutes in four parts, can be done at your own pace.

How to access the training

If you are a current family member or caregiver of an adult living with a mental health condition, please click the link below to register and receive a link to the training modules. 


Already registered? 

If you already registered for the training and can’t find the link to the modules in your email, try searching for “FACTS program training instructions” from factsprogram@uw.edu. You may also want to check your spam or junk email folder just in case.

If you still can’t find the link or are having technical issues, please email us for assistance.  


Training FAQs

Can I return to the online course after I have started it? 
Yes. You may complete the training in multiple sessions. However, the platform doesn’t keep track of your progress, so we recommend keeping a note of where you left off, so you’ll know where to begin on a return visit. You may also return to the course as many times as you’d like after you have completed it.

Please note, we suggest you bookmark the training’s Table of Contents page or add it to your “Favorites” for easier access. 

The first 35 people to complete the training and the associated feedback surveys will receive a $10 gift card. A select number of training participants will be invited to do an interview. Interview participants will receive one $100 gift card for their feedback.

We recognize and appreciate Helen “Trez” Buckland, Jerri Clark, Laura Crooks and Susie McGlade for their significant time and effort dedicated to reviewing and making invaluable contributions to improve this training curriculum, drawing from their personal experiences and insights.


A special note about this training – it is not intended for highly emotional topics, or to de-escalate a loved one who is experiencing more acute symptoms.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day by calling 988, texting 988 or you can chat online for assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for assistance.