What We Do

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education

According to Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is designed with colleges鈥� and universities鈥� unique culture and resources in mind. Training students, faculty and others in higher education settings how to recognize the symptoms of emerging mental illnesses or to assist young adults in a mental health crisis can help lessen the severity and impact of mental illnesses. 

This certification is a 7.5-hour training that is broken up into two sessions:

Session 1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Describe the PURPOSE of Mental Health First Aid and the ROLE of the Mental Health First Aider.
  • Identify the IMPACT of mental health challenges on the wellbeing of adults
  • Explain that RECOVERY from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.
  • Describe the principles of SAFETY and PRIVACY for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving first aid
  • Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
  • Recognize the SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of mental health challenges that may impact adults.

Session 2

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Evaluate the impact of EARLY INTERVENTION on mental health challenges
  • Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a scenario:
    • Where a person SHOWS EARLY SIGNS of a mental health challenge
    • Where a person SHOWS WORSENING SIGNS of a mental health challenge
    • Where a person shows signs of a mental health CRISIS
  • Choose appropriate methods for SELF-CARE following the application of Mental Health First Aid

Who should take this course?

  • Students
  • Faculty
  • Resident Advisors
  • Campus clergy
  • Campus law enforcement
  • Academic advisors
  • Counselors
  • Financial aid employees
  • Coaches and athletic personnel
  • Administrators
  • Event staff
  • Librarians 

This internationally recognized certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing empowers individuals to respond to mental health and substance use challenges with confidence and compassion. Departments are encouraged to reserve their own Mental Health First Aid Training at no cost by contacting Heather Walders hwalders@usf.edu