Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.
4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider
- Be prepared. When a mental health crisis happens, know what to do
- You can help. People with mental illnesses often suffer alone
- Mental illnesses are common. 1 in 5 adults in any given year
- You care. Be there for a friend, family member, or colleague
What You Learn
The course trains participants to help people who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. You learn:
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems.
- Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders.
- A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health problem or in crisis.
- Where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help resources
Mental Health First Aid courses are available for adults (age 19 and older who want to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related problem) and youth (for adults to learn how to help young people experiencing mental health challenges). Contact mhfatraining@wellstone.com to find out when local courses are scheduled in your area. To learn more about the national Mental Health First Aid movement click here.