Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, early intervention, awareness level course that teaches 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 teaches a person to how to most effectively 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:

  • Purpose of Mental Health First Aid
  • Role of Mental Health First Aider
  • Mental Health and Mental Disorders including, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, Substance Use, etc.
  • Recognizing Signs and Symptoms
  • Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
  • Self-Care