Mental Health Trainings

Mental Health First Aid:
Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use concern and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Topics covered: depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training:
QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is a 1 hour educational program designed to teach lay and professional “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. Gatekeepers can include anyone who is strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, police officers). The process follows three steps: (1) Question the individual’s desire or intent regarding suicide, (2) Persuade the person to seek and accept help, and (3) Refer the person to appropriate resources. Trainees receive a QPR booklet and wallet card as a review and resource tool that includes local referral resources.

Mental Health 101:
Mental Health 101 is a 1 hour overview of the ISUPD mental health program, understanding and identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness, warning signs for suicide, and how to speak with someone who is in crisis.

Scheduling Mental Health Trainings

Mental Health Trainings are offered at the request of a department or group on campus. For scheduling and additional information, please contact 515-294-4428 or email isupdmh@iastate.edu.