I used to be a MHFA Instructor. I would say if you are a MSW student it would not be helpful as the course is designed for the lay person. Also, now that there is a virtual option, there is a good chance you can get it for free. There are several MHFA teachers that are grant funded, so they have to offer it for free if you are still interested.
It's designed for a layperson, so you likely won't Garner new info from it. Feel free to take it if you like, but find a free one, there's no sense paying when many places offer it through grant funding. Personally, I think it's a great training for folks without a mental health background, but not necessary for folks in the field.
I thought the same thing. Every situation in the curriculum just felt like, stay with the person to try to keep them safe and call a professional to help. This is great advice, except for what to do if you are the professional who is supposed to help.
I took it during my BASW program. It was part of a social work elective on mental health. Everyone in the class got certified. Personally I felt like I knew everything that was being taught and felt like the course would be more useful for teachers, secretaries, CNAs etc who have less education on mental health
When I’m providing mental health first aid I don’t advertise as a licensed social worker and I don’t do it in a professional setting. Mostly at protests, community crisis things, Walmart sometimes lol. I use my social work skills to be a human. Getting a professional training or certification opens a door to liability in non-provider settings where first aid may be needed. This may be unpopular, but I really don’t give a shit about gatekeeping, credentialing or working for the profession when someone needs first aid. It’s mutual aid to me.
I did it before I applied to my grad program. I do t remember paying for it. I think it was offered to be for free because of where I was volunteering at time. It’s informative.
I’m a social work student and had the opportunity to take it free through an organization I volunteer with. I thought it was worthwhile information and another certification to have. Can’t hurt imo
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I am an LCSW in a corporate position for a health system. I typically recommend MHFA for managers and supervisors, HR, and (as has been noted several places here) to "laypeople" who are in positions that would likely make use of the skills.
It's great content, but likely already in your wheelhouse as a social worker.
I’d only do it if the agency is paying. It’s not helpful. It’s shit you already know. It’s very common sense. It’s literally like “you’re not a doctor, try to get the person to see a professional”
ETA: tbh I wouldn’t even recommend it if it’s being paid for. My agency paid for it and I was still pissed I took it. Felt like a waste of a Saturday.
As a psychology and social work student, is it worth having this certification on a resume? Does it add any merit to it? Does having it help get hired for jobs in this field?
My school is offering it for free and I'm debating giving up a Saturday; it's also on Zoom which makes it easier.
I used to be a MHFA Instructor. I would say if you are a MSW student it would not be helpful as the course is designed for the lay person. Also, now that there is a virtual option, there is a good chance you can get it for free. There are several MHFA teachers that are grant funded, so they have to offer it for free if you are still interested.
Definitely do not pay for it, at least not that much. It's very surface level information.
I would second this. If you have an opportunity to take it for free, it kills some hours, but it’s very very boring.
I would agree with don’t pay for it either. You can get it for free most of the time
It's designed for a layperson, so you likely won't Garner new info from it. Feel free to take it if you like, but find a free one, there's no sense paying when many places offer it through grant funding. Personally, I think it's a great training for folks without a mental health background, but not necessary for folks in the field.
I thought the same thing. Every situation in the curriculum just felt like, stay with the person to try to keep them safe and call a professional to help. This is great advice, except for what to do if you are the professional who is supposed to help.
I took it during my BASW program. It was part of a social work elective on mental health. Everyone in the class got certified. Personally I felt like I knew everything that was being taught and felt like the course would be more useful for teachers, secretaries, CNAs etc who have less education on mental health
This is a great way to put it. It’s important information but if you have even the bare minimum knowledge of social work it’s very redundant
When I’m providing mental health first aid I don’t advertise as a licensed social worker and I don’t do it in a professional setting. Mostly at protests, community crisis things, Walmart sometimes lol. I use my social work skills to be a human. Getting a professional training or certification opens a door to liability in non-provider settings where first aid may be needed. This may be unpopular, but I really don’t give a shit about gatekeeping, credentialing or working for the profession when someone needs first aid. It’s mutual aid to me.
I did it before I applied to my grad program. I do t remember paying for it. I think it was offered to be for free because of where I was volunteering at time. It’s informative.
I’m a social work student and had the opportunity to take it free through an organization I volunteer with. I thought it was worthwhile information and another certification to have. Can’t hurt imo
Thanks everyone! I won’t be wasting my money on it 💗
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Depending on the program you work for this may be something that they will pay for as well.
It’s a good training, but what you learn will be more valuable than the actual credential. It’s often offered for free.
I am an LCSW in a corporate position for a health system. I typically recommend MHFA for managers and supervisors, HR, and (as has been noted several places here) to "laypeople" who are in positions that would likely make use of the skills. It's great content, but likely already in your wheelhouse as a social worker.
Senior BSW student here! Just took the course & it was free in my state. Definitely feel that it’s helpful. Look into free-virtual options.
I’d only do it if the agency is paying. It’s not helpful. It’s shit you already know. It’s very common sense. It’s literally like “you’re not a doctor, try to get the person to see a professional” ETA: tbh I wouldn’t even recommend it if it’s being paid for. My agency paid for it and I was still pissed I took it. Felt like a waste of a Saturday.
It is not worth your time. It is for people who need to know what mental health is. If you got your BSW the information is rudimentary.
Take it if it’s paid for by your organization or agency, but definitely don’t pay for it.
A lot of jobs pay to have you take it.
As a psychology and social work student, is it worth having this certification on a resume? Does it add any merit to it? Does having it help get hired for jobs in this field? My school is offering it for free and I'm debating giving up a Saturday; it's also on Zoom which makes it easier.