Mental health training for staff

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offer a range of mental health training for staff.

Supporting Student Mental Health (online training)

This 40-minute online training program for staff of the University of Melbourne aims to assist you in supporting students experiencing mental health problems. Developed by our counsellors, it covers topics including:

  • An introduction to student mental health
  • How staff can help
  • Responding to students in distress
  • Support services and resources

To access the training:

  1. Login to the LMS
  2. Return to this page to click on the Enrol button below and follow the instructions to self-enrol

Enrol in Supporting Student Mental Health

If you are interested in further mental health training opportunities after completing this program, please see the additional courses offered below or contact the CAPS Workshops and Training team.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course

This course is suitable for staff who have completed the Supporting Student Mental Health online training program, and would like to learn more about common mental illnesses and practise applying mental health first aid skills in a group setting.

Standard MHFA is an accredited 12-hour course developed by MHFA Australia which teaches participants how to provide initial support to adults who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.

The course is delivered over 2 days and facilitated by CAPS counsellors who are accredited MHFA instructors. It is free for current University staff. Participants receive a copy of the Standard MHFA Manual to keep for reference and a Certificate of Completion.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update as at 18/3/2020:

To prioritise the health and wellbeing of the University community, and in line with the University's response, we may have to cancel upcoming MHFA training courses. You will receive a notification if the course you have registered for has been cancelled. In the meantime, we encourage all staff to complete the Supporting Student Mental Health online training program. If you have further questions about MHFA training, please contact the CAPS Workshops and Training team.

Registration

Staff may register for our 2-Day MHFA courses via TrainME. Registration opens at the beginning of each semester.

CourseDateTimeRegister
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February9.30am - 4.30pmRegistration closed
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Monday 9 March and Monday 16 March9.30am - 4.30pmRegistration closed
Standard MHFA Refresher Course (for staff
who have completed a 2-day Course to renew their 3-year MHFA accreditation)		Thursday 23 April9.30am-1.30pmRegister now on TrainME
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Thursday 4 and Friday 5 June9.30am - 4.30pmRegister now on TrainME 
2-Day MHFA Course (Southbank Staff)
Southbank Campus		Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 July9.30am - 4.30pmRegister now on TrainME (Southbank Staff)
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October9.30am - 4.30pmTrainME Registration opens - Monday 27 July 
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Thursday 29 October and Thursday 5 November9.30am - 4.30pmTrainME Registration opens - Monday 27 July 
2-Day MHFA Course (Staff)
Parkville Campus		Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November9.30am - 4.30pmTrainME Registration opens - Monday 27 July

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Suicidal Person

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Suicidal Person is an accredited 4-hour face-to-face course developed by MHFA Australia which teaches participants how to safely have a conversation with someone who is suicidal. This course is not a therapy or support group; rather, it is an education course.

This program is ideal for staff or staff groups who:

  • have a specific interest in furthering their knowledge and skills in responding to a suicidal person, but do not want to enrol in the 2-day Standard MHFA course. Course content is covered in the 2-day Standard MHFA course.
  • have completed the 2-day Standard MHFA course, but would like refresher training or further development of their skills in this area.

Please contact the CAPS Workshops and Training team if you or your staff group are interested in this course.

Tailored mental health training

CAPS can offer tailored mental health training for staff groups on topics such as managing students at risk. These programs are offered directly following a request from faculties or administrative areas, or through the Staff Wellbeing Program.

To discuss a tailored mental health training session or for further information, please contact the CAPS Workshops and Training team.

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