Mental Health First Aid

Research shows that nearly one in five university students are affected with anxiety or depression (The Conversation via the American College Health Association). In spring 2017, nearly 40 percent of college students said they had felt so depressed in the prior year that it was difficult for them to function, and 61 percent said they had “felt overwhelming anxiety” in the same time period, according to a survey of more than 63,000 students at 92 schools (Time via American College Health Association).

That’s why it’s so important for all adults working in the school setting to take Mental Health First Aid, an eight-hour course that teaches participants how to help our students experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Having a more informed staff can dramatically help early intervention efforts and get youth the help they need when they need it.

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool – it improves the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and connects people with care for their mental health or substance use problems. Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves. People who enroll in local Mental Health First Aid courses learn a 5-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors and others cope with mental health or substance use problems.

You will learn how to

1. assess a situation
2. select and implement appropriate interventions
3. secure appropriate care for an individual experiencing a mental health or substance use problem

Mental Health First Aid has strong evidence backing it. Three quantitative and one qualitative studies have shown that the program:

1. improves people’s mental health
2. increases understanding of mental health issues and treatments
3. connects more people with care
4. reduces stigma

For more information, or to sign-up for a training, email bit@utulsa.edu.

The fee for Mental Health First Aid training for UTulsa faculty and staff is $40 per person and charged to the employee’s department or office. Please consult with your supervisor to obtain budget approval before registering.

To register for an upcoming session, please email caps@utulsa.edu.