Mental Health First Aid

Course descriptions (3 separate courses):

Mental Health First Aid for Adults— Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aid, sometimes called Adult Mental Health First Aid, is available in English and Spanish.

Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and Their Families — Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and Their Families is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to a veteran or service member experiencing mental health and substance use challenges with a specific focus on the factors related to military life.

Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities — Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities is a skills-based training that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health and substance use challenge. The program has a specific focus on social and environmental factors related to life in rural areas.

Course Objectives for Each Mental Health First Aid Course:

Describe the purpose of MHFA and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.

Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of adults in the United States.

Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.

Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving MHFA.

Explain the five steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).

Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.

Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.

Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis scenario in which a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.

Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis scenario in which a person shows worsening signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.

Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a crisis scenario in which a person shows signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.

Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of MHFA in a non-crisis or crisis situation.

*I am an approved instructor for Mental Health First Aid USA and have permission to use this curriculum.

To schedule a course for your organization:

Each course runs about 8 hours. Courses can be completed in one day or divided into two four hour sections on two separate days. When scheduling two separate days, we do request that they be scheduled no more than a week apart. This training is offered in-person, virtually and in a hybrid format. I require a minimum of 18 participants and a maximum of 30 for each cohort.

Fees include the MHFA Adult Manual and the Participant Processing Guide as well as additional charges for instructional time and any supplies for in-person cohorts. Travel expenses may also apply for in-person offerings.

To sign up for a public offering, click a link from the table below:

Public MHFA Classes	Date/ Time	Location