(2 hours of pre-work, plus 1 day online)
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. MHFA teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA is that a mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If a crisis does arise, an MHFA trained person in the workplace can take action that may reduce the harm that could result. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
MHFA Virtual course participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:
- Talk about declines in their mental well-being.
- Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being.
- Reach out to these support.
- Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.
- Virtual delivery
This course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 independently (about two hours in length) before continuing to Modules 2 and 3. (More information about delivery can be found at this link.) - Modules 2 and 3 are delivered over Zoom. Everyone must have their own laptops/PCs that have audio/microphone and a camera.
- Further details will be provided to you after registration.
- Because of the required pre-work, there is a hard registration deadline of one week prior to virtual course delivery.
- The Mental Health Commission of Canada has stated that only those participants who attend all 3 Modules in full will be eligible for a certificate. If you do not complete Module 1 in time, or are late to Modules 2 or 3, you will not be granted access to continue.For this course you are required to be visible on screen at all times during the course. You may not have your video camera turned off. You may not share a computer or screen.
Missed Modules or lost access codes will not be eligible for a certificate or a refund.