Mental Health at Cornell

Resources for student & campus wellbeing

Mental Health First Aid at Cornell

National data show that more than one in five adults experiences a mental health challenge each year, and many are unsure when or where to seek help. Our ability to effectively intervene and support one another in such situations is critical to campus well-being. Cornell provides opportunities to cultivate skills and confidence in intervening.

What is Mental Health First Aid? 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally recognized, evidence‑based training program from the National Council for Mental Well‑Being. At Cornell, MHFA is offered as a free, full-day, professional‑development opportunity for faculty, staff, and students who want to feel more confident recognizing and responding to signs of mental health or substance‑use challenges. 

MHFA teaches participants how to: 

  • Notice early warning signs
  • Start supportive conversations
  • Connect someone to appropriate care on campus or in the community. 

Everyone who completes the MHFA training is certified in Mental Health First Aid for three years. These engaging workshops are led by trained facilitators from across Cornell University, including staff from the Community Response Team, Employee Wellbeing, Student Support and Advocacy, Cornell Health, and the Vet School. 

Why Cornell offers MHFA

As a Health Promoting Campus, we at Cornell have a responsibility to care for and support one another. In addition to the shared and unique stresses of life, Cornell students, staff, and faculty also navigate demanding academic, professional, and personal responsibilities that can impact their mental health and well-being. 

MHFA strengthens our campus community by helping participants:

  • Understand that mental health challenges are common and treatable.
  • Reduce stigma and increase comfort discussing mental health.
  • Recognize early signs of distress.
  • Reach out to individuals who may be reluctant to seek help.
  • Share Cornell‑specific resources and self‑help strategies.
  • Support peers, colleagues, and students with clear, practical steps.

Training details

MHFA trainings at Cornell are open to faculty and staff departments and units and to key student organizations seeking a dedicated session. Sessions are offered in a blended format which requires participants to individually complete an online module before a live group training which is delivered in person or online, depending on group needs.

Participants learn:

  • Risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance‑use challenges
  • Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use
  • How to approach and support someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis
  • How to connect individuals to Cornell Health, CAPS, and other campus resources

Participants receive:

  • National MHFA certification (valid for three years)
  • A digital participant manual
  • Cornell‑specific resource information
  • Access to printed materials

Participants are expected to:

  • Register at least three weeks in advance to allow time for us to register you in the MHFA system and for you to complete the pre‑work.
  • Complete all required pre‑work before attending the live session with Cornell facilitators. The self-paced online portion takes about 2 hours to complete.
  • Attend the instructor-led session they have registered for. We reserve 6.5 to 7.5 hours for the instructor-led portion (which includes a break for lunch).

Note that programs requesting an in-person training are responsible for securing a room. There is no funding for food or supplies, though units may choose to provide their own.

How to participate

Cornell offers two ways to join MHFA:

  • Attend an Open Training: Individuals or small groups can register for an upcoming open session using our Qualtrics form: Register for an open Cornell MHFA Training. Available dates are listed within the form.
  • Request a Training for Your Department, Unit, or Organization
    Departments, units, and student organizations who are interested in hosting a Mental Health First Aid training for at least 15 participants should email Jennifer Fee, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Training Development in the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives. 

More information

  • About MHFA training at Cornell: Email Jennifer Fee, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Training Development in the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives.

  • About the Mental Health First Aid curriculum: Please visit the Mental Health First Aid website.