MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA)
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) enables you to assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid certification, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
Mental Health First Aid Training is a certification available to the community. Educators and education support staff can earn the certification free of charge.
Topics Covered:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma
- Psychosis
- Substance Use disorders
Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can improve and use their strengths to stay well.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
The adult Mental Health First Aid certification is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person experiencing a mental health-related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course is available in both English and Spanish. Course participants come from various backgrounds and play multiple roles in a community, and instructors may specialize in providing the course to groups such as police officers or faith leaders. Look for icons on instructor profiles for public safety, rural, higher education, and faith.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The certification introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan to help young people in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Mental Health First Aid brochure