Mental Health First Aid Training

About Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based certification course that teaches participants how to assist and support individuals who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

The course uses scenarios, activities, and discussion to help participants recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, provide initial support and connect individuals with appropriate professional help. Mental Health First Aid certification is valid for three years.

Mental Health First Aid is part of Wright State’s broader mental health training and support framework. All employees complete annual SOS for Higher Ed training, while Mental Health First Aid provides additional, more in-depth certification for employees in designated positions, Mental Health Champions and others who choose to complete the course as space and availability allow.

Who Needs Certification?

Mental Health First Aid certification is required for employees in designated positions and for employees serving as Mental Health Champions. Other employees may complete Mental Health First Aid as space and availability allow.

The university maintains a list of centrally identified positions required to maintain Mental Health First Aid certification. This list is not exhaustive. Additional positions or employees may be required to complete and maintain certification when designated by university leadership, a division leader or a unit head, even if the position does not appear on the centrally identified list.

View the positions required to maintain Mental Health First Aid certification.

Training Requirements

Pre- and Post-requisites for Mental Health First Aid

Employees registered for Mental Health First Aid must complete the required pre-work at least three full business days before the class date. Employees who do not complete the pre-work by the deadline will not be able to attend the training.

Information about completing the pre-work will be provided by email before the scheduled class.

After the training, participants will complete an evaluation and receive certification.

Training Format

Mental Health First Aid is typically a seven-hour course. Some sessions may be offered in a six-hour format with fewer breaks. There are both in-person and virtual options available.

Register

Mental Health First Aid sessions are offered on a recurring basis and are limited to 30 participants. Classes have a minimum enrollment of 10 participants to proceed and a class may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met by the registration deadline.

Please review the date, time, format, location and registration deadline before registering.

Schedule

What Participants Say About Mental Health First Aid

Employees who have completed Mental Health First Aid have shared that the training provides practical tools, increases confidence, and helps them feel better prepared to support students and colleagues.

• “I walked away from my Mental Health First Aid training feeling empowered to be a part of these conversations, equipped now with some of the best tools for receiving such information and accompanying someone with the referrals for the next step.”
• “I found the Mental Health First Aid to be very beneficial to promote ongoing assessment, support, and appropriate interventions for people experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.”
• “I deeply appreciated the Mental Health First Aid training opportunity, and I learned a lot that I integrate in both my professional and my personal life.”

Positions Required to Maintain Mental Health First Aid Certification

Mental Health First Aid certification is required for employees in designated positions and for employees serving as Mental Health Champions.

The positions and units listed below are the centrally identified positions required to maintain active Mental Health First Aid certification. This list may be updated as university needs, roles or responsibilities change.

This list is not exhaustive. Additional positions or employees may be required to complete and maintain Mental Health First Aid certification when designated by university leadership, a division leader or a unit head, even if the position does not appear below.

University Leadership and Central Support

• Members of Cabinet, President’s Council and Provost’s Council
• Compliance Specialist and Title IX Coordinator, as well as any Deputy Title IX Coordinators
• Staff in Campus Safety, Human Resources, Disability Services and the Veteran and Military Center

Academic Leadership

• Associate Deans, Assistant Deans and Chairs in the colleges and Lake Campus

Boonshoft School of Medicine

• Associate Deans, Assistant Deans and Chairs
• Departments of Medical Education, including both undergraduate and graduate medical education
• Office of Student Affairs and Admissions
• Office of Student Success

Student Affairs

• Residence Life staff, including Community Directors
• Student Advocacy and Resource Center
• Student Involvement and Leadership
• Student Conduct
• Counseling and Wellness

Undergraduate Education and Student Success

• Associate and Assistant Vice Provosts
• Directors, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors in Advising and Retention
• Academic Engagement Program Coordinators

Enrollment, Marketing, and Career Development

• Associate and Assistant Vice Presidents and Directors
• Career Consultants
• Visit and event team staff

Operations and Administrative Units

• CaTS Associate CIOs and Managers
• Library Department Heads
• Facilities Managers
• Facilities Office and Project Administrator

Athletics

• Deputy Athletic Directors
• Coaches

Additional Designations

Additional positions or employees may be required to complete and maintain Mental Health First Aid certification when designated by university leadership, a division leader or a unit head. A position does not need to appear on this centrally identified list to be subject to the certification requirement.

Questions

For questions about Mental Health First Aid training, email mhfa@wright.edu.