Mental Health First Aid Training

When someone appears to be struggling with their mental health, many of us want to help but may not know what to say or what to do. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides practical skills to help members of our community recognize signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and be able to respond in a supportive and appropriate way.

Student Services is pleased to announce that our University now has two trained Mental Health First Aid instructors who will offer courses for students, faculty and employees. Ashley Robinson, mental health clinician with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Anthony Turon, assistant dean of students, have engaged in days of training to be able to bring this opportunity to our campuses.

The MHFA program is designed for all members of the community. No background in counseling or mental health is needed. Just as traditional first aid teaches people how to respond until professional medical assistance is available, Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to provide initial support and help connect someone with appropriate resources.

During the course, participants learn how to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, how to approach someone about whom they are concerned, how to listen and communicate without judgment and how to encourage appropriate professional help and other forms of support. The training also addresses crisis situations and helps participants become more comfortable deciding when and how to act.

Mental Health First Aid does not ask participants to diagnose, counsel or treat someone experiencing a mental health concern. Instead, the goal is to build confidence: to notice when something may be wrong, start a supportive conversation, know the appropriate resources and help someone take the next step. These skills can be valuable whether you are a faculty member concerned about a student, a supervisor supporting an employee or a student worried about a friend or classmate.

Our first course will be next month and is open to all members of the University community.

Dates: November 6 and November 20
Location: Event Lounge, University Center
Registration: Complete this form
Registration Deadline: October 23

The course requires an 8-hour commitment. Because space is limited and the University pays a training fee for every participant, please register only if you can commit to completing the entire course. Your registration represents both an investment by the University and a commitment by you to become better prepared to support others.

Mental health is a shared community responsibility and sometimes the most important first step is simply having someone who notices and knows how to respond. By increasing the number of Mental Health First Aid-trained members on campus, we can help create a Seton Hall where more people are prepared to recognize concerns, reach out and connect others with help.

Categories: Campus Life, Health and Medicine