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Become a Mental Health First Aider
Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a vital training program that equips individuals to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health or substance use challenges in adults aged 18 and over. Gain the skills to provide initial support until professional help is available, learning risk factors, crisis strategies, and where to turn for assistance.
What is Mental Health First Aid and what does it teach?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and techniques to identify, comprehend, and respond effectively to signs of mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA enables participants to provide support to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional help is available or the crisis is resolved.
Participants in MHFA learn a structured 5-step Action Plan, known as ALGEE, which includes assessing for risk, listening nonjudgmentally, providing reassurance and information, encouraging professional help, and promoting self-help and other support strategies. With over 3 million individuals trained in the U.S., MHFA has empowered countless individuals to recognize and address mental health and substance use issues.
Peer-reviewed studies have shown that MHFA-trained individuals exhibit increased knowledge and confidence in assisting individuals in distress. The updated MHFA curriculum includes definitions and guidance on trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasizing early intervention and support following traumatic events like those related to COVID-19. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of self-care in resilience and recovery, assisting First Aiders in developing personalized self-care action plans to navigate traumas and stressors effectively.
Topics Covered
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Depression and mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Trauma
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Psychosis
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Substance Use disorders
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Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.
Upcoming Events
Sat, Jan 18Los AngelesJan 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMLos Angeles, 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA
Sat, Jun 29Los AngelesJun 29, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PDTLos Angeles, 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USAJun 29, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PDTLos Angeles, 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USAMental Health First Aid is an educational program teaching adults to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide nonjudgmental support, and refer individuals to professional help. Originating in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm, it was introduced to the US in 20
Sat, Jun 15ZoomJun 15, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PDTZoomJun 15, 2024, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM PDTZoomMental Health First Aid is an educational program teaching adults to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide nonjudgmental support, and refer individuals to professional help. Originating in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm, it was introduced to the US in 20- Sat, May 11Free ChapelMay 11, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM PDTFree Chapel , 2777 McGaw Ave, Irvine, CA 92606, USAMay 11, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM PDTFree Chapel , 2777 McGaw Ave, Irvine, CA 92606, USAMental Health First Aid is an educational program teaching adults to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide nonjudgmental support, and refer individuals to professional help. Originating in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm, it was introduced to the US in 20