| SMC has blended the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) with its signature true-to-life simulation experiences to create a unique learning opportunity for the sports medicine clinician. This 8-hour dual certification program (delivered as 2 hours of self-paced pre-work followed by two 3-hour of instructor-led sessions) equips sports medicine clinicians and athletic staff with the tools to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health crises in the unique athleteic environment.
The goal of this program is to ensure that when a mental health emergency occurs, participants are as prepared to respond to a mental health crisis as they are to a physical cardiac or orthopedic emergency by helping participants:
- Recognize early warning signs of mental illness and substance use in athletes.
- Execute the 5-step ALGEE plan to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to care.
- Foster a culture of mental health awareness that supports seeking help.
- Implement self-care protocols to ensure your own mental health after a critical incident.
- Better comprehend the application of concepts in the specific athletic setting through the use of true-to-life simulation.
The program involves participation in 2 phases:
Phase I: Self-Paced Knowledge Prep (Approx 2 hrs) This phase requires completion of 5 online units via the National Council For Mental Wellbeing portal. All units MUST be completed 48 hours prior to the first instructor-led tactical training session (Phase II).
Phase I: Self-paced classrooms open Monday May 4, 2026 9:00am EDT and close Sunday May 17, 2026. Participants MUST complete all 5 units during this time (approx 2 hrs)
Phase II: Live Online Instructor-Led Tactical Training (6 Hours) Hosted on Zoom these video-driven sessions feature SMC produced simulation to faciiate understanding of the specific application of ALGEE principles in the unique and challenging athletic environment.
Session I: Tuesday May 19, 2026 6pm - 9pm EDT Session II: Thursday May 21, 2026 6pm - 9pm EDT
See Full Course Syllabus
IMPORTANT! Participants MUST complete ALL phases of this program in their entirety. Upon registering particpants will receive a link to their NCMH portal to complete the self-paced requirement. The self-paced requirement MUST be completed 48 hours PRIOR to the start of the FIRST Phase II session. Late arrivals to any of the live online sessions will NOT be admitted. If a participant fails to complete the self-paced portion on time, is denied admission to a lives session for arriving late, or does not attend for the entirely of the program, a certificate of completion and certification will not be provided. No refunds or exchanges are provided. Participants failing to complete the program in its entirety will have to register for a new session at full cost. Full refunds will be made for cancellations made on or before May 11, 2026 5pm EDT. No other refunds or exchanges will be provided. |
