"It's just a life skill": Speech-language pathology students' perspectives of mental health first aid training

Speech-language pathology students require mental health skills to support their well-being during tertiary education and prepare them to work with individuals at elevated risk of mental health challenges. Mental health first aid equips individuals with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health concerns. Although mental health first aid has been integrated into some allied health programs, no studies have explored the perspectives of speech-language pathology students on its relevance to academic and professional contexts.

A qualitative descriptive design was employed to explore the experiences of Australian speech-language pathology students with mental health first aid. Seven students participated: Six in two focus groups and one via written responses. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Four themes were developed: (a) Mental health first aid has a place in speech-language pathology education and practice, (b) building the knowledge and skills for mental health support, (c) adapting mental health first aid to fit the needs of people supported by speech-language pathologists, and (d) considerations for educators.

Mental health first aid may enhance speech-language pathology students' confidence and mental health literacy, however, students may experience a mismatch between increased awareness and perceived clinical readiness. Mental health first aid alone may not equip students with the skills required to support their clients, indicating a need for further training and adaptation.