Did you know you are more likely to meet a person in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack? Mental health first aid prepares you to help people who may be experiencing a mental health-related crisis or problem. By becoming certified in mental health first aid, you can identify, understand and respond to situations until appropriate professional support arrives. Training is open to a wide range of audiences including health and human services providers, social workers, business leaders and employers, college and university staff, faith community leaders, law enforcement, public safety officials and the general public. Specialized classes are offered to address the unique experiences and needs of individuals in various settings as well as classes designed for adults to assist adolescents (ages 12 to 17). Led by a certified mental health instructor, mental health first aid is an in-person, eight-hour course to build a basic understanding of different mental illnesses and how they can affect daily life. You will learn about depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders, as well as recovery and resources.
Mental health first aid is listed in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. Studies show that individuals trained in the program increase their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illness and addictions; can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources; increase their confidence and likelihood of helping an individual in distress; and show reduced social distance to individuals with mental illness.