Mental Health First Aid at Butler University
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care.
The MHFA Certification is comprised of two parts: a ~2-hour self-paced online module that must be completed before attending a live virtual or in-person session. Participants must complete both components before earning their certification.
Summer and Fall 2024 dates will be released May 15, 2024. Email Katie Wood (kewood1@butler.edu) with any questions in the meantime.
- There is currently no cost to Butler University students, faculty, staff/affiliates, parents, and alumni to take this course.
- We can coordinate a specific date for your group (minimum 10 people). Contact Katie Wood (kewood1@butler.edu) to discuss options for your group.
- Each session has 30 available seats.
- A link for the required self-paced module will be emailed to you closer to your training date.
- Common signs and symptoms of mental illness.
- Common signs and symptoms of substance use.
- How to interact with a person in crisis.
- How to connect the person with help.
The course teaches you to apply the ALGEE Action Plan
- Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm
- Listen Non-Judgementally
- Give reassurance and Resource
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Mental Health First Aid certifications are valid for three years and should be renewed at the end of the 3 year period in order to maintain accreditation. Butler will cover the cost of your certification and recertification if you are: a current Butler student, faculty, staff/affiliate, alum, or parent of a Butler student. Mental Health First Aiders can recertify their credentials in one of two ways:
Option 1) If you are within 90 days of your certification expiration date, you can order and complete the online, 60-minute asynchronous module priced at $29.95. Katie Wood will provide a voucher code so there is no cost to you. Please read the information below to proceed with this option or
Option 2) If you are beyond 90 days of your certification expiration date or would prefer to take the full course again, you’ll register for a free in-person or virtual session with us.
If you choose to renew your certification through option 1, please take the following steps:
- Express your interest in renewing with the 60-minute module via email to Katie Wood (kewood1@butler.edu) Ex: “Hello, I got certified in (month, year) and want to renew my MHFA certification online. Can you provide me with the voucher code?”
- Once you’ve received the voucher code, you can follow the instructions laid out on the Mental Health First Aid Recertification page.
Feel like you need extra support for your mental health, but are not sure what level of help you need? Or maybe you’re concerned about someone else’s emotional or mental health, but are not sure how to approach them. Sometimes we just need someone to listen. We can help.
At Butler, we have many caring faculty, staff, and students that are certified in Mental Health First Aid. These “First Aiders” can support you by listening, empathizing, and by sharing campus, local, and national resources that you can use to help yourself and others. Some of our Mental Health First Aiders have shared their contact information (below)—please feel free to reach out to them if you, or someone you know, is in need of support.
*This resource is not intended to replace emergency or regular mental health care. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please refer to the Crisis Support webpage.*
The table below includes some certified Mental Health First Aid volunteers who have agreed to share their contact information as a resource on campus: