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?

MHFA Logo

Adult Mental Health First Aid

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.

CIT Logo

Question, Persuade, Refer

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.
MHFA Web Logo

Youth Mental Health First Aid

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.

* Disclaimer: MHFA & QPR are training tools used to help others. If you are currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call 988 for support and review the helpful resources listed at the bottom of this page .

Individuals trained to date

439
Adult MHFA
165
QPR
134
Youth MHFA

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

World Mental Health Day 2022 "Wellness Bag Giveaway" in OEK campuses cafeteria.

Receiving Wellness Bags

MHAT Programs Information Table

Providing MHAT Program Information

QPR training held in collaboration with Sisters with Purpose in OEK Library Computer Lab.

Taking QPR Virtual Course

Debriefing QPR Training

Receiving Suicide Awareness Gift Bag

Resources

For more information please contact:

Dahlia Stridiron-Felix 

Project Director
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 693-1136
E-Mail: dstridi@uvi.edu