Mental Health Training
There are two models of mental health training offered to students and staff:
Generic sessions, where attendees reserve a place on scheduled sessions. Dates for 2010 will be made available in December 2009 on this website. Staff can enrol through Themis, and students by contacting the Counselling Service.
Tailored sessions, organised for groups of staff or students with common training needs, or from similar areas of the University. These sessions also attract a nominal fee. To discuss your training needs, please contact Orania Tokatlidis, Community Development and Consultancy Manager, Counselling Serbvice, on 8344 6927 or orania@unimelb.edu.au
Sessions offered
A range of sessions has been developed to suit the tertiary education environment. These are
• Mental Health First Aid, offered either as a 2 day course or in 4 half-day components - Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis and Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health. Participants attending all of these half-day components will receive their MHFA certificate.
There are also several 3 hour sessions, including:
• Introduction to Mental Health
• Supporting Students with Mental Illness
2-day Mental Health First Aid Course
The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid Course is available to University staff and students. Mental Health First Aid is a certified training program, teaching participants how to support someone in a mental health crisis situation, or developing a mental disorder.
The training aims to assist in early intervention and the ongoing support of people with mental illnesses. It is useful for people employed in areas where high levels of contact with individuals with mental health issues are found; people who are concerned about friends', family members' or their own mental health; and also carers of people with mental illnesses.
The course content includes the symptoms, causes and evidence-based treatments for the common mental health problems of depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance use disorders.
It also outlines the possible crisis situations arising from these mental health problems, and steps to help the person involved.
Anxiety (MHFA Component)
Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• identify causes and symptoms of anxiety
• outline the range of treatment options
• know what emergency procedures to follow in a crisis
• understand how to access a range of student supports – including the Counselling Service, Disability Liaison Unit and others
Depression & Suicide (MHFA Component) Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• identify causes and symptoms of depression
• outline the range of treatment options
• know what emergency procedures to follow in a crisis
• understand how to access a range of student supports – including the Counselling Service, Disability Liaison Unit and others
Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health (MHFA Component)
Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• understand the link between drug / alcohol use and mental health problems
• identify causes and symptoms of substance use disorder
• know what emergency procedures to follow in a crisis
• understand how to access a range of student supports – including the Counselling Service, Disability Liaison Unit and others
Psychosis (MHFA Component) Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• identify causes and symptoms of psychosis
• outline the range of treatment options
• know what emergency procedures to follow in a crisis
• understand how to access a range of student supports – including the Counselling Service, Disability Liaison Unit and others
3-hour Mental Health Sessions
Introduction to Mental Health
Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• provide a definition of mental illness
• outline the categories of common mental health problems
• outline the range of treatment options
• understand where to access additional resources and services.
Supporting Students with Mental Illness
Following the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• understand how a mental illness may impact on learning and common barriers within the University context
• recognise indicators of students in significant distress
• describe staff obligation under the Disability Discrimination Act
• understand issues of privacy, confidentiality and duty of care
• utilise effective communication skills when assisting students with ongoing or episodic illness
• utilise support options for the student and how to access those supports