A mental health training program originally offered to Riverview Psychiatric Center staff is being offered by the state to community mental health workers free of charge.

Advanced Mental Health Training for Front Line Workers is a 40-hour course to help better understand patients in the criminal justice system with mental illness known as forensic patients, hospital officials said.

“Staff has consistently said this training was extremely valuable in emphasizing the power of recovery in a client’s life, particularly for the forensic clients,” said Angie Newhouse, the state psychiatric hospitals director of training and education.

The first public session is slated May 21 at the hospital. Anyone interested in attending should contact Newhouse at 624-3916.