Mental Health First Aid
Overview
After investment from the Division of Student Life and Division of Student Success, UT now has certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainers on campus.
These trainers have been certified by the national Mental Health First Aid organization to provide training to faculty, staff, and students on the knowledge, skills, and tools that will be helpful when providing support to someone experiencing distress.
Upcoming Trainings
Students Only
| October 5-6, 2026 – Canceled Blended In-Person Noon – 4:30 p.m. |
Faculty, Staff, or Students
| October 6, 2026 – Canceled Blended In-Person 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | November 3, 2026 Blended In-Person 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register for November 3 | January 12, 2027 Blended In-Person 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register for January 12 |
| January 14, 2027 Blended Virtual 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Register for January 14 |
What to Expect During Training
Mental health first aid training is provided in one of three possible modalities:
- a blended in-person training
- a blended virtual training
Blended training options have a 2-hour self-paced, online component prior to the class day. The blended in-person training day lasts about 5.5 hours, and the virtual class lasts about 6.5 hours.
Each training modality is very interactive and requires participants’ full presence to be the most meaningful.
Prior to the live, interactive class day, participants complete a self-paced e-learning course delivered through the MHFA Connect learning management system. In this 2-hour, self-paced course, participants complete five segments of instruction:
- Overview of mental health first aid
- Mental health and mental disorders
- Role of the mental health first aider and self-care
- Common mental disorders in the US
- Recognizing signs and symptoms
During the live, interactive class day, participants complete seven instructor-led training segments:
- Welcome to mental health first aid
- Mental health and mental disorders
- Role of mental health first aider and self-care
- Common mental disorders in the United States
- Recognizing signs and symptoms.
- Mental health first aid action plan (ALGEE)
- Mental health first aid for early signs and symptoms
Learn more about mental health first aid on the national Mental Health First Aid website.
Refresher Sessions
Have you completed MHFA training and want a chance to sharpen your skills? Join an MHFA Refresher Session to revisit core concepts and talk through how these tools apply in real-world situations.
During the session, participants will:
- Revisit key takeaways and strategies from MHFA training
- Share and discuss experiences using MHFA skills
- Explore practical considerations for applying MHFA in everyday interactions with students
- Review available campus resources and referral options
- Participate in an open Q&A and discussion with MHFA instructors