Mental Health First Aid — Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aid, sometimes called Adult Mental Health First Aid, is available in English and Spanish.

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors and health and human services workers and any other citizen how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid is available in English and Spanish.

teen Mental Health First Aid — teen Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge among their friends and peers. The program equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to take care of their own mental health and to support each other, including how to get the help of a trusted adult.

Mental Health First Aid at Work — Mental Health First Aid at Work is a skills-based training program that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge in a work environment and connect them with appropriate employee resources if necessary. The program can benefit businesses of all sizes and in all sectors by empowering employees with mental health awareness tools and skills.

Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety — Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety is a skills-based training for law officers and criminal justice staff that teaches how to de-escalate incidents and identify, understand and respond to someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, without compromising safety. The program focuses on the unique experiences and needs of public safety personnel, and is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their coworkers’ and families’ lives, and the communities they serve.

Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS — Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS is a skills-based training that teaches firefighters and EMS personnel how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing mental health and substance challenges. The program focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel, including how to intervene in the field and among their peers.

Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and Their Families — Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and Their Families is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to a veteran or service member experiencing mental health and substance use challenges with a specific focus on the cultural factors related to military life.

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults — Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults is a skills-based training that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health and substance challenge. The program addresses mental health challenges unique to people aged 50 and older.

Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities — Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities is a skills-based training that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health and substance use challenge. The program has a specific focus on cultural and environmental factors related to life in rural areas.

Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education — Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is a skills-based training that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health and substance
use challenge. The program has a specific focus on the unique challenges faced by college students and is designed for students, professors and other faculty.

What is Mental Health First Aid and what does it teach?

• MHFA is skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.

• Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved.

• Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan to recognize warning signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, provide help in crisis and non-crisis situations and understand where to turn for additional assistance.

» The 5-step Action Plan (ALGEE) is:

Assess for risk of suicide or harm;
Listen nonjudgmentally;
Give reassurance and information;
Encourage appropriate professional help;
Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Through MHFA, more than 3 million people in the U.S. have been trained by thousands of certified Instructors to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

• Peer-reviewed studies have proven that trained Mental Health First Aiders are more knowledgeable and confident when it comes to identifying and helping an individual in distress.

• The new MHFA curriculum gives First Aiders working definitions for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It describes the types of crises associated with trauma and emphasizes the importance of early intervention following a traumatic event. First Aiders receive clear guidance for supporting someone immediately after a traumatic event, as well as over the time that follows. This added instruction on trauma will help First Aiders better assess and respond to situations where they encounter someone dealing with trauma related to COVID-19 or other events.

• The MHFA curriculum helps First Aiders understand what self-care is and the various forms it can take. The curriculum demonstrates how self-care is important to resilience and recovery, and then helps First Aiders develop their own self-care action plans that they can use to navigate traumas and stressors.

How do we know MHFA is effective?

• Many people know to call 911 or administer CPR for a physical health emergency but hesitate to start conversations about mental health and substance use. MHFA provides the tools a layperson needs to take action.

• Studies show that MHFA training reduces stigma, improves knowledge and increases first aid actions toward people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

• MHFA is proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Peer-reviewed studies from around the world show that individuals trained in MHFA:

» Expand their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.

» Can identify appropriate types of professionals and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge

» Have increased confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.

» Show increased mental wellbeing themselves.