Mental Health First Aid Training
St. Petersburg College is offering Mental Health First Aid in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Community Foundation Tampa Bay (CFTB). This training is provided for FREE to public service professionals.
Mental Health First Aid, known as the CPR of mental health, is a national certification through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
This evidence-based training course is designed to:
- Address common mental health concerns that are encountered.
- Reduce stigma.
- Teach strategies to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges and offer support.
- Offer self-help strategies for staying mentally well.
Benefits
Mental Health First Aid helps you learn:
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems.
- Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders.
- A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.
- Where to turn for help through professional, peer, and self-help resources.
Cost
Thanks to funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Community Foundation Tampa Bay, this training is provided for FREE to public service professionals and client facing volunteers* such as those in:
- Schools (K-12 or higher education)
- Emergency response (e.g., first responders)
- Health care
- Veterans’ organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Nonprofits
*Organizational confirmation of volunteer involvement needed.
Please reach out to the Project Coordinator for a discount code to use at registration if you meet the above criteria.
Training Length
The commitment to complete this certification is eight (8) hours comprised of a pre-read and training class.
This training begins with a mandatory self-paced pre-read that takes about two (2) hours online and must be completed no later than seven (7) days before the start of the training class.
The training class will take around six (6) hours through real-time in-person or online instruction with a class size ranging from 10 to 30 people.
Registration
What to expect:
- Register for the training through St. Petersburg College (linked above)
- Within a couple of days, receive an email invitation from Mental Health First Aid
- Complete the pre-read through your Mental Health First Aid Connect portal
- Complete the live training class
- Receive your Mental Health First Aid Certification!
Locations
This training is available to organizations and individuals in the following counties in both in-person and virtual formats.
- Pinellas
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Hernando
- Citrus
A private training of 10-30 participants can be coordinated at your organization by contacting the Project Coordinator.
Contact
For more information about Mental Health First Aid or for help with registration, please contact:
Joanna Corde, Project Coordinator
If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 to speak with a live person who can help.
Disclaimer: This product was developed in part under grant number 1H79SM084729 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.