Introduction to Mental Health First Response - EDU-X791J
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Course Description
Become a Leader with Mental Health First Response Awareness - A Fully Online Program
Introduction to Mental Health First Response is one of five courses in the Mental Health First Response Certificate program. In much the same way that traditional first aid is designed to save the life of a person in crisis, Mental Health First Response focuses on saving lives by recognizing the emotional distress, depression and other issues impacting students. These issues increasingly lead to suicide, violence and harm to self or others when not appropriately addressed in a timely manner. This course will prepare teachers and other school professionals to identify, interact with and make appropriate referrals for students with emotional, mental and social issues. Teachers will also focus on issues, specifically those that may lead to gun violence and/or harm to self or others within a school setting. Additional topics will include how to work with community resources to create and implement an appropriate preparedness plan and use "universal precautions" to preserve staff and student safety.
Learner Outcomes
- Demonstrate familiarity with current federal initiatives to address childhood mental health issues such as Project AWARE, Safe Schools and other initiatives
- Identify mental health first response definitions, history of mental health and illness issues among children
- Familiarize yourself with common types of mental health conditions encountered in a school setting including signs and symptoms which may lead to referral
- Understand various causes and types of crisis events which may exacerbate or cause mental health issues in children
- Identify at-risk students or situations, make appropriate referrals and collaborate with professionals in order to support students by building resilience and providing early intervention
- Determine the universal precautions to maintain safety standards when presented with a crisis situation
- Explore pertinent barriers, beliefs and pro-social behavior associated with mental health issues in the school
Course Details
Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for K-12 educators, as well as other school professionals, such as school nurses, psychologists, counselors and administrators. Parents and school volunteers can also benefit from this program.
Course Materials: Text, Pocket Guide to Crisis Intervention (paperback), by Albert Roberts and Kenneth Yeager. This book is available at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.com.
Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series
- Mental Health First Response Certificate : Courses - Enroll in Individual Courses, or Earn a Certificate with Required Courses (11 Units)
Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.