Mental Health Facilitator Training in Astana, Kazakhstan

The Mental Health Facilitator program is designed to train participants in basic mental health support skills, enabling them to recognize signs of psychological distress, offer initial help, and refer individuals to appropriate professional resources. Rooted in psychological first aid principles, the course equips facilitators with foundational knowledge and practical tools to support mental well-being in a non-clinical setting.

Course Agenda

Introduction to Mental Health

• Understanding mental health and mental illness

• Global and local mental health context

• Myths and stigma

• Role of a Mental Health Facilitator

• Self-awareness and cultural sensitivity

• Communication skills for emotional support

Common Mental Health Disorders

• Depression and anxiety disorders

• Substance use and addiction

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD

• Suicide awareness and risk identification

• Case scenarios and role plays

Providing Initial Support

• Mental health first aid: L.A.S.E.R. or ALGEE model

• Crisis intervention techniques

• Making appropriate referrals to professionals

• Boundaries and confidentiality

• Building rapport and trust

• Practical group exercises and mock situations

Mental Health Promotion

• Stress management and resilience-building techniques

• Promoting positive mental health in schools/workplaces

• Mindfulness and emotional regulation tools

• Community and organizational support systems

• Workshop facilitation skills

• Reflection and peer discussion

Review and Empowerment

• Ethical issues and facilitator limitations

• Review of key concepts

• Practice facilitation sessions

• Personal action planning

• Mock assessments and feedback

• Certification and wrap-up