Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.

Mental Health First Aid certification, which must be renewed every three years, provides trainees with:

• Knowledge of the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury
• A five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, to select and implement appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care
• An understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in their communities
• Working knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery.

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.

HOW MANY DAYS DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID PROGRAM?

MHFA is an 8-hour training course and is often conducted as a one-day seminar but can be offered in various formats to accommodate the needs of your team. We offer:

• In-person training – Single day or two days
• Virtual training – Online course by a televideo instructor-led session
• Blended training – Online course followed by an in-person instructor-led session

WHAT DO MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

Just as CPR training helps a layperson with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis, such as contemplating suicide. In both situations, the goal is to help support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives. Mental Health First Aiders learn a single 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports. Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build an understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families; and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.

WHAT TYPES OF CRISIS INTERVENTIONS ARE COVERED?

Trainees are taught how to apply the 5-step strategy in a variety of situations, such as helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal, or assisting an individual who has overdosed. An important component of the Mental Health First Aid training is the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy rather than just learn about it. This simple experience can make applying the knowledge easier in a real-life situation.

WHO SHOULD TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE?

Mental Health First Aid is intended for a variety of audiences:

• Friends and family of individuals with mental illness or addiction,
• Key professionals (such as police officers, human resource directors, and primary care workers)
• School administration and employees (public schools, private schools, charter schools and higher education institutions),
• Child care facilities
• Youth under 21
• Any individuals with direct and recurring contact with students,
• First responders, military service members, veterans and their families
• Judges and attorneys
• Faith communities
• Anyone interested in learning more about mental illness and addiction.

The training venues will also vary as Mental Health First Aid program sites reach out to Chambers of Commerce, professional associations, hospitals, nursing homes, Rotary Clubs, parent organizations, social clubs and other groups that make up the fabric of a community. The core program is tailored for response to the general adult population.

IS THERE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM?

Yes, in fact, the strong evidence base is the very reason the National Council selected this particular program. Five published studies in Australia show that the program saves lives, improves the mental health of the individual administering care and the one receiving it, expands knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, increases the services provided and reduces overall stigma by improving mental health literacy. One trial of 301 randomized participants found that those who trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in providing help to others, greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments, and decreased stigmatizing attitudes. Unexpectedly, the study also found that Mental Health First Aid improved the mental health of the participants themselves.

WHAT IS COVERED IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

• What is Mental Health First Aid?
• Mental Health Problems in the United States
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Understanding Depression
• Suicidal Behavior
• Depressive Symptoms
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan/Suicidal Self-Injury
• Understanding Anxiety Disorders
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan/Panic Attacks/Traumatic Events/Anxiety Symptoms
• Understanding Psychotic Disorders
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Acute Psychosis
• Aggressive Behavior
• Psychotic Symptoms
• Understanding Substance Use Disorders
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan/Overdose/Withdrawal/Substance Use Disorders
• Understanding Eating Disorders
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Acute Crisis
• Eating Disorder Symptoms
• Using Your Mental Health First Aid Training

For more information go to http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

24-Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-841-1255