Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Suicide...
Mental Health Affects Everyone!
- Are you equipped to assist someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge?
- Would you know how to respond to someone who is expressing suicidal ideations or is in a mental health crisis?
Counseling Services, Mental Health Awareness Training Program has you covered, whether you are a novice or a pro.
What is the Mental Health Awareness Training Program?
The Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) Program is a five-year federally grant-funded project designed to build mental health awareness, knowledge, and skills within the U.S. Virgin Islands. As such, the MHAT Program is able to offer evidence-based training programs (at no cost) to not only the University's faculty, staff and student body but also to the USVI community at large. (You must be 18 years or older to participate.)
What training programs are being offered?
Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.
- This 7 and a half hour program can be offered to any interested parties (on-campus and/or in the community) in the following formats:
- Blended: consists of 2 hours of self-paced pre-work and 6 and a half hours of instructor-led training which can be provided via Zoom or In-Person.
- In-person: consists of 7 and a half hours of in-person instructor-led training.
- Upon successful completion, participants receive a 3-year certification.
We also offer Adult Mental Health First Aid in the following specialized areas:
- Higher Education
- Public Safety
- Corrections
*This course is valued at $170; however, thanks to SAMHSA grant funding we are able to offer it at no charge.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to offer hope, and how to get help to save a life.
- This 1-hour self-paced training is available only to matriculating UVI students, faculty and staff.
- Upon successful completion, participants receive a 2-year certification.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health (i.e., ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma) and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Therefore, it is recommended for adults who work with youth such as teachers, school staff, camp counselors, coaches, youth group leaders, etc.
- This 6 and a half hour program can be offered to any interested parties (on-campus and/or in the community) in the following formats:
- Blended: consists of 2 hours of self-paced pre-work and 5 and a half hours of instructor-led training which can be provided via Zoom or In-Person.
- In-person: consists of 6 and a half hours of in-person instructor-led training.
- Upon successful completion, participants receive a 3-year certification.
This course is valued at $170; however, thanks to SAMHSA grant funding we are able to offer it at no charge.
If you are interested in our MHAT trainings please complete one of the following forms that best describes you:
UVI Faculty, Staff, Student Interest Form Community Members, Organizations, Groups Interest Form
Campus Events
Resources
- Call 911 in the case of emergencies needing immediate assistance from the police, ambulance or fire department.
- Call or Text 988: Provides 24/7 toll-free service to anyone facing a suicidal and/or mental health crisis.
- Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741): Provides 24/7 support from a live trained Crisis Counselor to individuals experiencing a crisis.
- LGBT National Hotline (Call 1-888-843-4564): Provides 24/7 support by highly trained and dedicated LGBTQIA+ volunteers who offer free and confidential services.
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (Call 1-800-656-4673): Provides free and confidential 24/7 assistance to victims of sexual assault.
- SAMHSA's National Helpline (Call 1-800-662-4357): Provides free and confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information to individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
For more information please contact:
Dahlia Stridiron-Felix
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 693-1136
E-Mail: dstridi@uvi.edu