Certificate awarded: “First Response Chaplain (MHFR)”
🧠 Mental Health First Response Chaplain (MHFR)
Recognize. Stabilize. Refer.
A US-NYS Chaplain Response Team Program
Overview
Mental Health First Response (MHFR) is a faith-informed, community-based training that equips chaplains, volunteers, and caregivers to recognize warning signs of mental distress, offer immediate emotional support, and connect individuals to appropriate help.
This 7.5-hour course mirrors the national Mental Health First Aid model but is fully original to US-NYSCRT, using our S.A.F.E.R. action plan—Scan, Ask, Firm up supports, Engage help, Recovery plan & record.
🕊 Who It’s For
- Chaplains, faith leaders, and volunteers
- Community responders and health-care liaisons
- Educators, youth mentors, and family advocates
- Public safety, fire, and EMS partners
No prior mental-health background required.
📘 What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain the skills to:
- Recognize signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use
- Approach safely and listen without judgment
- Provide stabilization and comfort during crisis moments
- De-escalate agitation or panic
- Build a short Safety Plan
- Refer or hand off to clinical or community support
- Maintain boundaries and confidentiality
- Practice self-care and peer support for responder wellness
🧩 Course Structure
Three learning tracks are available:
- Adult Mental Health First Response – 7.5 hrs (1-day or 2 sessions)
Covers depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, substance use, and crisis planning. - Youth Mental Health First Response – 7.5 hrs
Adds topics on self-harm, bullying, eating disorders, and online stress. - Public Safety / Fire-EMS / Corrections – 6 hrs
Focuses on de-escalation, command coordination, field documentation, and peer wellness.
All courses include scenario practice, skills evaluation, and a Certificate of Completion from US-NYSCRT.
🪶 Faith & Cultural Sensitivity
US-NYSCRT integrates spiritual care principles within professional boundaries—offering prayer, scripture, or ritual only with consent while respecting all cultures and beliefs.
📍Delivery & Registration
Format: In-person or hybrid sessions (Uniondale, NY + online option)
Tuition: $125 (includes training manual, handouts, and certificate)
Duration: 1 full day (7.5 hrs.) or 3 evenings (2–2.5 hrs. each)
Next Class: To be annouced
Register: [https://www.nyscrt.org/apply-enroll/]
📄 Certificate of Completion
Issued by US-NYS Chaplain Response Team, Inc.
Certifies completion of Mental Health First Response training in Recognition, Stabilization, Referral, and Responder Wellness.
Valid for 24 months — optional 2-hour refresher available.
