Mental Health First Aid

A Skills-Based Course for Recognizing Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges

CHR is excited to bring Mental Health First Aid training to our community!  This valuable, interactive training provides vital awareness and education about mental health and substance use challenges.  Mental health matters!

1 in 5

American adults experience a mental health disorder every year

1 in 6

Children (aged 2-8 years) has a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder

15%

Of American adults had a substance use disorder in the past year- 93.5% did not receive treatment

About Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an interactive, skills-based course that teaches adults how to identify the signs and symptoms of a potential mental health or substance use challenge. Topics covered in the training include anxiety, depression, substance use, suicide, and self-care. Participants who complete the 7.5-hour training receive a certificate, valid for three years.

Mental Health First Aid Trainings Available

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an interactive, skills-based course that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a potential mental health or substance use challenge among adults. Participants in Adult MHFA learn how to use the ALGEE Action Plan to respond to common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges while reducing stigma. Participants will learn skills to interact with a person in crisis along with valuable resources to assist in connecting adults with help. The course covers topics including panic attacks, depression, self-harm, suicide, and substance use as well as self-care and confidentiality. To learn more about MHFA including the course learning objectives click here.

Adult MHFA courses are offered in both in-person and virtual settings.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an interactive, skills-based course that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a potential mental health and substance use challenge in children and adolescents (12-18 years old).  Participants in Youth MHFA learn how to use the ALGEE Action Plan to respond to common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in youth, while reducing stigma.  Participants will learn skills to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis along with valuable resources to assist in connecting with help. The course covers topics including adolescent development, self-harm, suicide, and aggressive behaviors, as well as self-care for the First Aider. To learn more about MHFA including the course learning objectives click here.

Youth MHFA courses are offered in both in-person and virtual settings.

Community Specific Mental Health First Aid courses are designed to equip adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify, understand, and respond to the unique mental health and substance use challenges that affect their professional community.  The following Community Specific Courses are offered with CHR:

  • Mental Health for Correction Professionals: this evidence-based, early intervention program designed to support corrections professionals through the high levels of job-related stress from exposure to traumatic events and dealing with potentially dangerous individuals in a demanding and sometimes volatile work environment. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid for Corrections Professionals click here.
  • Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety: this evidence-based course builds the skills Public Safety personnel need as they provide initial support to their peers or individuals, they encounter who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training promotes open dialogue, reduces stigma, and encourages public safety professionals to seek support when needed.  For more information on Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety click here.
  • Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education: this evidence-based course prepares campuses to address mental health and substance use challenges commonly experienced within a higher education setting. The training builds the skills needed to decrease stigma, address tough mental health challenges, and supports students, professors, and other school faculty in supporting those around them. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education click here.
  • Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans, and Their Families: this evidence-based, early intervention course builds the skills needed to decrease stigma, address tough mental health challenges, and support the military and veteran community through the unique challenges they face in accessing mental health care. This course addresses the risk and protective factors of the military community while providing resources for service members, veterans, and their families.  To learn more about Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans, and Their Families click here.

Who Should Become a Mental Health First Aider?

Any adult (18 years and older) can benefit from MHFA training! Training audiences vary but may include:

CHR offers community specific MHFA courses tailored to the professions and environments of certain professionals. Current courses include:

Learn in the Format That’s Best for You

MHFA courses are offered in the following formats to fit the needs and learning styles of all individuals.

  • In-Person: 7.5-hour instructor led training (requires 15 minutes of self-paced online pre-work)
  • Blended-In-Person: 2-hour self-paced online pre-work followed by 5.5-hour in-person instructor led training.
  • Blended-Virtual: 2-hour self-paced online pre-work followed by 5.5-hour virtual instructor led training.

If you have training scheduled with Stephanie Hills, she can be reached at: shills@chrhealth.org

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