We are proud to announce that our Director of Education and Training, Denise Felice, MSW, CATC III, is now a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor.
Denise is pursuing a career in social work with her goal of making a positive impact in people’s lives no matter what ethnicity or age.
“Social Work has been rooted in my deep passion for making a positive impact on my community. I believe that every individual deserves to live a life filled with dignity, respect, and opportunities to thrive. By pursuing a career in Social Work, I am able to actively contribute towards enhancing the quality of life for people from different ages and backgrounds.” said Denise.
She got her Master’s degree which shows her commitment to excellence and her desire to deepen the understanding of social issues. This advanced skill enables her to tackle complex challenges and provide effective support.
“Throughout my educational journey of receiving my Master of Social Work (MSW), the support and guidance I have received from Social Model Recovery Systems has been invaluable. Their commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a sense of community has truly inspired me and strengthened my resolve to become a Social Worker. I want to express my gratitude for the unwavering support and belief in my potential. Their guidance has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively address the challenges and complexities that arise within the field of Social Work. Through their support, I have gained the confidence to advocate for marginalized populations, provide support to vulnerable individuals, and actively contribute towards the betterment of my community.” Denise added.
“As I embark on my career as a Social Worker, I am committed to upholding the values and ethics of the profession. I am committed to being a dedicated and ethical Social Worker, advocating for social justice, empowering individuals and communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. It is similar to physical first aid but focuses on mental health.
The goal of Mental Health First Aid is to increase mental health literacy and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The training teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, provide initial help, and guide the person toward appropriate professional help.
Here are some key points about Mental Health First Aid:
- MHFA training helps individuals recognize common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. Participants learn to identify warning signs and symptoms associated with these conditions.
- It provides participants with skills to provide initial assistance and support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. This may involve active listening, offering reassurance, providing information about professional help, or assisting with self-help strategies.
- The training emphasizes the importance of guiding individuals to appropriate professional help. Participants learn about available mental health resources and how to connect someone with the appropriate support services.
- Mental Health First Aid also highlights the importance of self-care and maintaining one’s mental well-being. Participants learn strategies for promoting mental health and practicing self-care in their own lives.
- One of the significant objectives of MHFA is to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems. The training helps participants develop empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental attitudes towards individuals with mental health challenges.
It’s important to note that Mental Health First Aid is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Rather, it aims to provide immediate support and guidance until professional help is available.
Congratulations, Denise, on achieving your Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification! SMRS commends you for your dedication to promoting mental health awareness and providing support to others.
