Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education program that helps participants identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substances use disorders.

Just as CPR training helps a person without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a person assist someone with a mental health crisis

Mental Health First Aid teaches you to:

  • Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities.
  • Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources to help someone with a mental health challenge treat and manage it and achieve recovery.
  • Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury.
  • Use a 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.

Specific topics covered include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Substance use
  • Suicide Awareness & Prevention
  • Psychosis
  • Disruptive behavior disorders