Mental Health First Aid USA
Want to make a difference? Take Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

  • People who enroll in local Mental Health First Aid courses learn a 5-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors and others cope with mental health or substance use problems.
  • Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves.
  • Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool – it improves the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and connects people with care for their mental health or substance use problems.

What it Covers

  • Common signs and symptoms of mental illness
  • Common signs and symptoms of substance use
  • How to interact with a person in crisis
  • How to connect the person with help
  • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care

The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
  • Listen nonjudgmentally.
  • Give reassurance and information.
  • Encourage appropriate professional help.
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

If you would like to register for a Mental Health First Aid training, please contact us or check our Events & Trainings page to view upcoming trainings. 

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