I have co-trained with Rick on a number of occasions both in person and
virtually.

His broad experience as a clinician, a veteran, an attempt survivor, a
parent and, most importantly, as a warm and caring human being make him
an excellent trainer. He combines an informal style with a serious grasp
of the material he is presenting.

Rick continues to be one of Missouri's most active Mental Health First Aid instructors teaching hundreds of First Aiders in Missouri in the past year and becoming a 2018 Gold Star Instructor. With Rick's helps Mental Health First Aid has now trained over 1.5 million people in the U.S. and over 46.000 in Missouri. Rick's contributions have helped Missouri become safer state for those coping with mental health challenges.

Rick is a very motivated, hardworking individual who has a passion for suicide prevention and working with the co-occurring population. He is asked by a multitude of organizations to speak on mental illness, crisis intervention training (CIT), and his unique perspective on counseling. He is a pleasure to work with and can provide insight on many mental health concerns.

"Rick Strait is one of the most important advocates, trainers, and speakers I've had the pleasure to work with. Rick is tireless, passionate, dedicated, and he perseveres with the most difficult mission of suicide prevention. He speaks from a place of knowledge, empathy, personal experience, and as a US Marine Corps Veteran. His honor, dignity, compassion, and trust is paramount in every conversation and project he is involved in, and I am grateful to know and work with him."

In 2016, Rick was the instructor of the year in the state of Missouri—teaching more courses than any other instructor in the state. Rick is an asset to our program. Due to his contributions, Mental Health First Aid is growing. There are more than 1 million First Aiders trained in the United States and more than 30,000 First Aiders trained in the state of Missouri. Mental Health First Aid could not succeed without the valuable contribution of instructors like Rick. Be sure to sign up and take one of his courses.

“Rick Strait is a tireless and powerful advocate for suicide prevention. Rick is multi-talented with a gift for training and connecting with those who are in crisis. Rick is my go to resource for information on counseling on access to lethal means and an expert in ZeroSuicide.”

Whether you are speaking with Rick one-to-one in a private conversation, or hearing him speak in front of a large crowd - the intimacy of the connection shines through. With a powerful heart and the wisdom to back it up, Rick brings new light and insights to areas of mental health, healthcare and emergency services and suicide.

"Rick is an absolute master in the field of suicide prevention speaking, training, and consulting. I've worked with him numerous times, and his care, lived experience, professional knowledge, and attention to detail are huge assets. Anyone who gets a chance to work with Rick should consider themselves lucky and know they're in good hands."

I attended an 8-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) class in June of 2017 instructed by Rick Strait at the St. Louis Carpenters Training Center. His presentation and facilitation of the class were very enlightening and educational. Rick’s easy going style made me feel comfortable from the start. His knowledge and experience of Mental Health issues including substance abuse and suicide were evident.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Rick Strait as both my instructor and as a co-presenter. If someone were to ask me how I would describe Rick, it would go as follows. In my opinion, Rick can be summed up in 3 words: compassionate, knowledgeable, and grateful."

"Rick Strait is a gift to the suicide prevention community. His heart is big and generous and kind, and people everywhere resonate with this authenticity. He boldly shares his lived experience to let others know they are not alone. Rick is not only highly knowledgeable about the research and support services related to helping suicidal people, he's also a powerful storyteller and community organizer. In other words, Rick is able to have tremendous impact in his work because of his knowledge, skills and compassion."

I have known Rick Strait for several years both personally and professionally. We first met as volunteers for the AFSP, serving on the local chapter board. During this time, Rick became our go to instructor for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and quickly showed his proficiency and knowledge of the materials presented.

Having taken part in the courses I can say Rick continues to keep up on the latest updates on every training module he presents to ensure attendees have the most up-to-date information. I highly recommend everyone take one of Rick’s trainings. You will not be disappointed.

I have known and worked with Rick for several years. He is a consummate professional with a deep passion for promoting mental wellness and preventing suicide. Rick consulted with the Safer Homes Collaborative to co-develop the training Conversations on Access to Lethal Means and Conversations on Access to Lethal Means for First Responders. Rick has a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and professional connections to leaders in the mental health and suicide prevention community, that will benefit your organization. Ask anyone about Rick Strait and they will tell you he is a great guy with a heart of gold.