Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training
Mental Health First Aid is the initial help offered to a person developing a mental health challenge or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves.
MHFA training participants learn about prevalence, risk factors, warning signs of mental health challenges and a 5-step action plan to help in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Delivery options
In-Person: 8 hours of instruction
Virtual: 2 hour self-pace course + 5.5 hours virtual instruction
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human service workers, and other caring adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or crisis.
YMHFA participants learn about common mental health challenges for youth, typical adolescent development, and a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in crisis and non-crisis situations.
Delivery options
In-Person: 6.5 hours of instruction
Virtual: 2 hour self-pace course + 4.5 hours virtual instruction
Rural Mental Health First Aid Training allows adults to acknowledge and begin to address those disparities, as well as identify the many unique strengths that come from living in community of supportive neighbors, friends and families.
Rural Mental Health First Aid participants learn about mental health and mental health challenges on adults living in rural communities, risk factors and protective factors specific to rural communities, and a 5-step action plan for how to help people in crisis and non-crisis situations, and provide national, regional, and community mental health resources for rural communities.
Delivery options
In-Person: 8 hours of instruction
Virtual: 2 hour self-pace course + 5.5 hours virtual instruction
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety Training is a skills-based training for law enforcement 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.
Delivery options
In-Person: 6.5 hours of instruction
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services Mental illnesses and substance use challenges often present during adolescence and young adulthood, when many individuals are students at colleges and universities. College and university faculty, staff and students can learn how to help each other within a framework of their unique culture and set of resources. The Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education community-specific course builds upon the effectiveness of the standard Mental Health First Aid curriculum by focusing on higher education settings.
Delivery options
In-Person: 7.5 hours of instruction
Older Adults Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course designed for adults—such as family members, caregivers, nursing staff, and health and human services workers—who interact with individuals aged 65 and older. This program equips community members with essential skills to assist an older adult who may be developing a mental health condition or experiencing a mental health crisis. The support provided helps bridge the gap until professional treatment is available or the crisis resolves.
The training enhances mental health literacy and reduces stigma by addressing negative attitudes and misconceptions about mental illness. Based on international MHFA Guidelines, the course has been adapted for the U.S. using input from mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience.
Delivery options
In-Person: 7.5 hours of instruction
Single 7.5-hour session or broken into two sessions and delivered over two days.
Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS is training that equips you with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Designed specifically for firefighters and EMS personnel, this course teaches you how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and connect them to appropriate care. By addressing the unique experiences and needs of Fire/EMS professionals, this training serves as a vital resource for their well-being, as well as the well-being of their coworkers, families, and the communities they serve.
Delivery options
In-Person: 7.5 hours of instruction
Single 7.5-hour session or broken into two sessions and delivered over two days.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Military, Veterans, and Their Families (MVF) is a specialized training designed to support the mental health needs of service members, veterans, and their loved ones. The course equips participants with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and crises, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
Delivery options
In-Person: 7.5 hours of instruction
Single 7.5-hour session or broken into two sessions and delivered over two days.
