One in five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant to seek help or don鈥檛 know where to turn for care. In response, faculty and staff from the Department of Child and Family Studies, along with students from and the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program participated in(MHFA) training 鈥� a skills-based course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use challenges.
The training on May 19 was coordinated by Morgann Frazee, employment services coordinator for LAUNCH at USF, and Shambria Campbell, project coordinator for the program. Participants learned the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help.
Peer-reviewed studies show that individuals trained in MHFA:
- Expand their knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Can identify appropriate types of professionals and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge.
- Have increased confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
- Show increased mental well-being, themselves.
These strategies can also be applied to support someone who is experiencing a panic attack, changes in behavior and performance, or frustration/anger.
The training requires a commitment of about nine hours, including two hours of online self-paced pre-work and seven hours of a live training class. After completion, participants receive a nationally recognized certification. Organizers are planning another free training that will take place during the fall semester; registration information will be shared in late September to early October.
MHFA training is offered at no cost through St. Petersburg College, grant number 1H79SM084729, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.