Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid

One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. Many people are not well informed, and professional help is not always on hand. Members of the general public often do not know how to respond.

The program does not teach people how to be a therapist. It does teach people how to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
• Provide initial help
• Guide a person toward appropriate professional help

The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Mental Health First Aid Canada gives people the skills to provide that early help that is so important for recovery.

This is an interactive course that is provided in a supportive group learning environment. Participants will learn how to provide initial help to people who are showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis including information about depression, anxiety, psychosis, and addictions. Each participant who completes the training course will receive a certificate and training manual.

Mental Health First Aid is meant to increase awareness of mental health issues and to assist participants to learn appropriate intervention strategies.

This course will benefit anyone, but would be particularly relevant to teachers, facilitators, health service providers, emergency workers, front line workers who deal with the public, volunteers, human resources professionals, employers, supervisors, and community groups.

NOTE: Mental Health First Aid is worth 1.0 CEU as part of the Water Security Agency’s Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program. The Virtual Mental Health First Aid course is worth 0.8 CEU.

Virtual Offering Details

This 9-hour 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). Participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

• Module 1: Self-Directed (2 hours)
• Module 2: Virtual Classroom (3.5 hours)
• Module 3: Virtual Classroom (3.5 hours)