A certification course through the mental health commission of Canada.
Offering in-person certification courses in qathet or virtually from anywhere. Please inquire about private booking or the next public session offering.
Course Objective
While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with mental health or substance use problems. It prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis, until appropriate treatment is found or the situation resolves.
An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:
- the tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
- the ability to talk about their mental health.
- the knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
- the confidence to reach out to these supports.
- the tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis, and.
- the knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.
- Topics
- This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1 is1.5 hours) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the live classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3 are 7.5 hours). Course participants will complete Module 1 before participating in Modules 2 and 3.
Upon registration, participants will receive a Participant Reference Guide which outlines MHFA actions for mental health and substance use problems and crises (extra fee For hard copy).
Module 1: Self-directed module that introduces participants to the concepts of the course and Mental Health First Aid actions.
Module 2: Live classroom module that discusses tools on how to apply MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being and guidelines for MHFA conversations with diverse populations.
Module 3: Live classroom module that gives participants the opportunity to practice applying MHFA actions to crisis situations and discusses the importance of self-care.
Crisis first aid and interventions for:
- suicidal behaviour
- panic attacks
- overdose
- acute stress reaction and,
- psychotic episodes
Course model
- Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm.
- Listen non-judgmentally.
- Give reassurance.
- Encourage professional and other support.
- Self-Care.
Facilitator: Vanessa Coray, M.Ed, B.Comm., B.Ed.**
Vanessa Coray brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) facilitator. She has experience teaching learners of all ages, and serves as the Professional Development Coordinator for the qathet School District, where she excels in organizing workshops and training sessions.
Additionally, Vanessa holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and co-owns The VK Wellness Initiative, a comprehensive mental health and wellness clinic in qathet.
As a certified MHFA facilitator through the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Vanessa is dedicated to making mental health services more accessible, closing the gap in care, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Vanessa is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and mental health awareness. Her professional qualifications, coupled with her genuine passion, make her a highly effective and empathetic facilitator.
