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First Aider Accreditation

Instructor’s Course

Courses

How does the MHFA program work?

MHFA training works as part of a joint mental healthcare system aiming to improve the level of mental health literacy among the people.  Our courses are based on research and developed by mental health experts with inputs from people with lived experiences of mental health problems. The MHFA manual has been through an Adaptation and Acculturation Process to the Indian context. You can find a list of studies on evaluation of the MHFA training here https://mhfa.com.au/research/mhfa-course-evaluations

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Why just MHFA India? Can I take the course in other countries as well?

MHFA India is the only licensed organisation from MHFA International for the delivery of SMHFA courses in India. The module is adapted to the Indian mental health situation to make it practical and useful. If you live in India, and you wish to become a Mental Health First Aider and practice the ALGEE Action Plan in your community, it will be more effective to take the course in India only. MHFA is a global movement that is now present in 25 countries. Each country licenses its own MHFA program separately – you can see a list of all international MHFA program at mhfainternational.org

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Are there differences between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

The main differences between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) are as follows:

  • MHFA has a broader focus. We have defined it as follows: "Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.". Thus, it includes the full range of mental disorders and associated crises. Psychological First Aid is solely focused on response to a disaster situation.
  • MHFA does give some training on how to respond to a person who has experienced a traumatic event. However, this training is much less detailed than in PFA.
  • MHFA training is designed for non-health professionals also. The MH First Aider’s role stops once appropriate professional help is reached. Psychological First Aid is usually given by a mental health professional.

Why do MHFA courses have information about diagnosis of mental illness? I believe that labelling people makes them feel abnormal and is not helpful in the recovery process.

  • One of the most important aims of MHFA courses is to dispel the myths and stigma associated with mental illness and our courses are designed with this in mind.
  • Diagnosing mental illnesses is not part of the curriculum and the course does not qualify anyone to make a diagnosis. The course will briefly cover how mental illnesses are diagnosed but the focus is on recognising that someone is unwell and assisting them to get the help they need.
  • MHFA participants learn to recognise symptoms and refer a person to appropriate help, which we believe is very important. Many symptoms of mental illness are misunderstood by the community and result in people being further isolated. For example, irritability, social withdrawal and difficulty with day to day social interactions can result in the person being ostracised. In adolescents, many symptoms of mental health problems can be met with a disciplinary response rather than a caring one, particularly at school.
  • We spend a lot more time focussing on being non-judgmental, listening, providing support (both emotional and practical) and encouraging the person to seek the support of those around them, while doing things that help them feel better. Participants also learn how to respond in a crisis. This is essential because it is usually friends, family or co-workers who will be in a better position to help in times of crisis. For example, with some skills and training, a close friend or family member can recognise signs that a person may be feeling suicidal and assist them accordingly.
  • Research has shown that attending the course improves participants' attitudes, helps them recognise when someone may need help, and appropriate help is provided. The success of the program is reflected in the national and international adoption and recognition.
  • We appreciate that some people may have had unpleasant or distressing experiences in the mental health system. We believe professional help should be sought and evidence-based treatments are effective for most people. We also encourage participants to advocate for the people they are assisting in the hope that this will make the process easier for them.
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Does the MHFA courses teach about suicide prevention?

Suicide prevention is one of the topics covered in the 12-hour Standard MHFA course. However, due to the number of topics covered, only around 1 hour is spent on suicide specific material. A separate half a day course is designated for Suicide Prevention.

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Am I eligible for the 12 hours training?

Everyone from the public 18 years and above interested to get education on Mental Health First Aid program can register for the 12 hours course. We do not conduct any interview for participation in the training.

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How can I see the calendar of training?

A calendar of Training dates is published on the ‘Courses’ page of this website. Training is generally conducted in 2 full days. However, on need basis it can be spread over several days. You can register for the training at MHFA India website  http://mhfai-uat.ameexcloud.com by choosing the dates from the calendar.

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How to find the MHFA Instructors?

MHFA Instructors can be trained only by MHFA India. The list of trained and Accredited Instructors can be found in the official website of MHFA India. Look at the calendar to find the training provided by each of the instructors. find an instructor

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Are courses delivered in my state language?

Initially all courses have been delivered in English language only. Hindi is the local language in which MHFA course is now available. With experience, MHFA India will translate the SMHFA course in other local languages to reach to more public across the country. For specific languages, see the calendar of training where language of training is being informed.

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Do I need to share my personal experience during the 12 hours Course?

Not necessary. You are participating to educate yourself in mental health. The instructors will encourage interaction and opinion sharing among group members to enhance the learning process. You are welcome to share your experience in case you feel comfortable to do so. The Instructor and participants, by agreeing to participate in the course, respect the confidentiality and differences of opinion among members.

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How much does it cost?

We value the 12 hours Mental Health First Aid course ₹20,000 + GST.

If you are an organised group with a minimum of 18-20 participants, please contact the MHFA India team for discussing logistics and pricing. Email us at mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com

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Why does it cost?

Mental health is one of the least funded social problem in our country. Most of the funded initiatives rightly target marginalised groups. MHFA India aims to provide mental health education across the population at all the time. MHFA India is registered as a Pvt. Ltd. company to assure sustainability of delivering the courses. Courses are the only source of income which assure the presence of the program in the country as well as support our team to conduct researches and evaluation to keep abreast with the quality of course delivery.

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How do I pay for the Course?

Payment is integrated with course registration in the website. Once you select your dates and course at the Calendar you can make payments as shown in the page. On receipt of full payment, your seat will be considered as confirmed. A tax receipt will be given to you once you are in the course or send via email.

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How do I change or cancel my booking?

There are two options:

  1. Change my Date of Course
  2. Cancel my Course

You will need to inform minimum 2 weeks in advance for both options in order to give seat to another applicant.

You may reply to the confirmation email with subject stating one of the above options.

  • In case of Cancelation of the course 2 weeks prior to the course date, 80% of your course fee will be reimbursed to you.
  • In case of Cancelation within 2 weeks of the course date, 30% of the course fee will be reimbursed to you.

For example; If the course dates are 15-16 March 2019 and we receive an email from you asking for cancelation on 28th February 2019 then you are eligible to be compensated 80% of the amount. Allow 4-6 weeks to complete the transfer.

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How do I book a course?

You can book your course from the MHFA India web page only. You can choose the date of your training based on the Training Calendar available on the ‘Courses’ page. Once you complete your registration process, you will receive a Confirmation email with required information.

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What if MHFA India course is not in my state?

If your state is not in the training calendar of MHFA India, you can wait until we start a course in your state. Otherwise, you can choose your nearby state, however, you will have to cover the accommodation and travel expenses on your own. You can also check at the List of Instructors to identify if there are Instructors from your state and contact them directly to check on their training plans.

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Do I have to attend the whole course?

Yes, you have to attend both days of the course to become a Certified Mental Health First Aider. All parts of the course are equally important to learn a safe grounding in MHFA skills.

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Does Mental Health First Aider Certificate enable me to teach MHFA?

No it does not! You would need to apply and be approved to do a MHFA Instructor Course in order to teach MHFA in your communities.

As a Mental Health First Aider, you are committed not to use the manual and the information taken in any form during the training or post it, for any teaching or training purposes. It may lead to cause damages to your participants as MHFA program is a standardized one which can be administered only by trained and Accredited MHFA Instructors. MHFA India reserves the right to take legal action towards breach of copyrights and misuse of the materials. See copyrights notes at the beginning of the manual.

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First Aider Accreditation

What is the Mental Health First Aider Accreditation Program?

An MHFAider Accreditation demonstrates an individual has the skills and knowledge to provide Mental Health First Aid.

A Mental Health First Aider (MH First Aider) is a person who has completed an MHFA Course delivered by an Accredited MHFA Instructor. If you wish to become an Accredited MH First Aider you will need to attempt an online test of Accreditation.

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What are the benefits of being an Accredited MH First Aider?

  • You can attest to having successfully passed a standardised Accreditation Assessment of your mental health first aid knowledge and skills.
  • You are eligible to be appointed as Mental Health First Aid Officers in the workplace.
  • You will not need to complete a full MHFA Course again in 3 years' time, rather a shorter Refresher Accreditation MHFA Course.
  • You will receive a reminder in 3 years’ time when you are due to complete a Refresher Accreditation MHFA Course.
  • You can be part of a Closed Face Book Page of all Accredited MHFAider in the country.
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What does it mean exactly to be 'Accredited'?

MHFA International has an ongoing research program to develop and maintain MHFA Guidelines for Low and Middle Income Countries (which includes India). To be an 'Accredited' MH First Aider means a MHFA course participant who passes the assessment is accredited against these guidelines.

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Does Mental Health First Aider Accreditation enable me to teach MHFA?

No it does not! You would need to apply and be approved to do a MHFA Instructor Course in order to teach MHFA in your communities.

As a Mental Health First Aider, you are committed not to use the manual and the information taken in any form during the training or post it, for any teaching or training purposes. It may lead to creating damages to your participants as MHFA program is a standardized one which can be administered only by trained and Accredited MHFA Instructors. MHFA India reserves the right to take legal action towards breach of copyrights and misuse of the materials. See copyrights notes at the beginning of the manual.

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How can I become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider?

To become an accredited Mental Health First Aider, you will need to pass an online Accreditation Assessment. This assessment is only administered online and an MHFA Instructor cannot administer it at the end of the course. You are eligible to attempt this assessment, if you have completed an MHFA course. You will be sent a unique link a few days after the course ends. Upon clicking on the link, you will be invited to complete the Accreditation Assessment.

Once you pass the assessment, you receive a digital Accreditation Certificate. Accreditation is valid for 3 years from the date of your MHFA course, and is renewed by completing a short MHFA Refresher Course. You can complete the accreditation up to 3 years after you complete the MHFA course.

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What is the structure of the Accreditation Assessment?

The Accreditation Assessment is an online 15 question quiz, with a mixture of multiple-choice questions based on specific MHFA scenarios and True or False questions, that is completed using the MHFA manual.

You must receive a score of at least 70% to pass the assessment. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you will be offered a second attempt.

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Is there a cost to get Accredited as an MHFAider?

There is no cost for taking the online Accreditation Assessment and becoming an Accredited MHFAider.

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What is a MHFA Refresher Course?

Anyone who has completed a 12 hour MHFA course in the last 3 years is eligible to attend. Participants who completed the online assessment to become an accredited MHFAider are able to extend their accreditation for another 3 years by attending the Refresher Course.

Participants have from 6 months before their accreditation expiry to 3 months after, to complete a Refresher Course and complete the online assessment. Their renewed accreditation will be valid for 3 years from the date they passed their refresher online assessment.

The aim of the Refresher Course is to update and build upon skills learned in the initial 12-hour mental health first aid course. The courses contain new films and additional materials. The courses are delivered in a 4-hour face-to-face session.

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What if I can’t complete a refresher course before my accreditation expires?

Participants have up to 3 months after their accreditation expires to complete a Refresher Course and the online assessment.

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How do I know when I'm due for a refresher?

First aiders will receive a reminder email 6 and 3 months before their accreditation expiry date.

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What will MHFA Course feedback data be used for?

MHFA India will collect and store course feedback to allow:

  • Instructors to view collated feedback for their own courses.
  • Instructors to view participant feedback averages across all their courses.
  • For the feedback to be reviewed and used to provide appropriate support and mentoring to Instructors, if needed.
  • Other quality control purposes.

MHFA India will not use this data for other research purposes unless we have obtained the explicit permission of course participants to do so. Please read the Privacy Policy of MHFA India.

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Do you offer discount?

If you are an organised group like students in Colleges or Universities, Work places, or just a community and would like to train a minimum 40 participants, we consider a sliding scale from the original Value. As an individual or group, you may look for support from your employer, CSR fund, or a donor organisation to sponsor or subsidize your course fee.

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Instructor’s Course

I want to teach this course! How do I become an MHFA Instructor?

You will need to participate in the five day MHFA Instructor Training program which qualifies you to deliver the SMHFA course in your communities.

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Can I train immediately post completing the Instructor training?

After successfully completing the Instructor Training, you are expected to deliver a minimum of 3 trainings in the first year in your community co-training with a senior Accredited trainer.

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What will be my role as Instructor?

The primary role of Instructors is to teach the Mental Health First Aid course with fidelity to the core program model and key messages. Each Instructor has a set of materials to help guide them through course facilitation.

To teach a course, certified Instructors must order manuals and prepare course materials and resources for all their participants. Upon completion, Instructors must provide participant evaluations to Mental Health First Aid India Instructor Management System (IMS).

Putting on a course involves much more than just showing up and teaching it. Instructors frequently have to promote their capacity as trainer of MHFA to different communities in order to assure training. Business meetings, Free informative session are some of the tools.

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How much does it cost?

We value the 5-day Instructor training ₹100,000 +GST. If you are an organised group and make a minimum of 15 -16 participants, then you can contact the MHFA India team on 73973 83004 for discussing logistics and pricing.

If you have a sponsor to cover the cost of your training, please contact us to inform on the sponsored application procedure.

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Why does it cost?

MHFA India is registered as a Pvt. Ltd. company to ensure sustainability of operations (delivering of the courses). Course fee is the only source of income which assures the long term presence of the program in the country as well as support our team to conduct research and evaluation to keep abreast with the quality of course delivery.

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How do I pay for the Course?

Once your application is being approved and officially informed to you, you can choose the dates of training and complete the payment which is integrated in the website. Online payment and bank transfer are the only methods of payment for the course. On receipt of successful payment your seat will be considered confirmed.

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How do I Cancel my Application?

  1. If you cancel prior to one month of the first day of the Instructor Training program, MHFA India reserves the right to charge 50% of the course fee.
  2. If you cancel post it, do not attend, or do not complete the program, you will be charged at the full rate.
  3. Cancellations must be sent in writing to courses@mhfaindia.com and are only valid once receipt has been confirmed.
  4. 4. For example; If the course dates are 18-22 March 2019 and we receive an email from you asking for cancelation on 17th February 2019 then you are eligible to be compensated 50% of the amount. Allow 4-6 weeks to complete the transfer.
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Do I have to attend the whole course?

Trainee instructors must attend every day of the Instructor Training Course. It is necessary because:

  1. You are able to observe the course from the viewpoint of an instructor, rather than a recipient.
  2. Each instructor has different teaching methods and it is an advantage to experience at least two styles before becoming an instructor yourself.
  3. As it is a class of trainee instructors, the course which is conducted on the first 2 days usually imparts more knowledge.
  4. Important networking and group cohesion occurs over the course.
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How do I apply for an Instructor course?

MHFA India web page is the only page where you can apply for your course. You will need to Sign up to start the application process and follow the instructions as given in the website. Your application will be approved based on fulfilment of all the criteria. Visit http://mhfai-uat.ameexcloud.com/content/find-instructor

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Can I train as Instructor in India though I am not from India?

If you are living in India and you work in India and plan to train public within Indian territory, then you can apply for Instructors Course. On you moving out of India the right to Train as Instructor will be Stopped and you cannot train in another country. You will need to contact the MHFA office of that country for additional training to have the right to train there.

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I am Accredited as Instructor from another MHFA and not India office. Can I train in India?

No, you cannot provide training in India. The SMHFA course has been adapted and acculturated to the Indian situation and resources, which differ from the country you have received your instructor’s accreditation.

You will need to attend the Instructors training with MHFA India. Please contact us at mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com for further information.

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Can I train as Instructor out of India territory?

When trainee MHFA Instructors are accepted into an MHFA Instructor Training Course with MHFA India, they agree to conduct the courses only within India or with citizens located within Indian territory as the curriculum has been tailored specifically for the Indian context.  Instructors trained in India are not allowed to deliver the MHFA India program outside India.

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As a psychologist/mental health professional, can I attend a shorter course to become an MHFA Instructor?

We recognise that psychologists and other mental health professionals are very skilled and knowledgeable about mental health problems and their treatments. However, our courses have a first aid rather than clinical focus. Doctors and nurses do not always make the best physical first aiders, as, while they may be very competent treating patients in a clinical setting, they are not usually taught or experienced in the basic care a first aider provides prior to professional medical help arriving.

The majority of training involves learning the course curriculum and how to present it. So it is necessary to attend the full training, despite any qualifications which may already be held. There are a number of psychologists and other mental health professionals who are accredited MHFA Instructors and all of them have completed the full MHFA Instructor Training course.

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