Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid gives people the tools to notice, understand, and respond when someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Interested in bringing this training to your workplace or community? Contact us to set up a private session.
Curious to learn more? Check out our FAQs below.
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      MHFA is an evidence-based public mental health education program taught in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The course teaches learners to recognize the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and provide appropriate support until professional help can be obtained. This class is for adults (18+). 
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      The class is two hours of prework, followed by six hours of live virtual instruction, and is taught virtually via Zoom (with plenty of break time). If booking a private course for your organization, we can break this into two 3-hour days. 
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      We discuss depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Trainees are taught how to apply a 5-step action plan 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 course is the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy so you may actively apply it in real-life situations. 
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      Everyone! Many of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack — we would start CPR, or at the very least call 911. However, so few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or coworker might be showing signs of alcohol use disorder. We like to think of MHFA as “CPR for the mind”. 
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      Once you finish your short post-class quiz, you will receive a certificate from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing which you can add to your resume, LinkedIn, and other social media. CEU units may be available and some employers may even offer reimbursement for your time and expenses for attending a continuing education training like MHFA, particularly if you will receive relevant CEUs in exchange. You will need to file for CEUs independently. Your certification is valid for 3 years and can be renewed online for $29.95 once it expires, or alternately you may wish to take a refresher class! 
“Mental Health First Aiders are teachers, first responders, and veterans. They’re neighbors, parents, and friends. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one. They’re First Ladies and Mayors. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier, and safer for all.”
- National Council of Mental Wellbeing


