Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Adults is an early intervention public education program. The program teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. Mental Health First Aid also teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.
Evidence demonstrates the course makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy - helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. Completion of the 8-hour course earns participants Mental Health First Aider certification (valid for three years) through the National Council on Behavioral Health.
Course Learning Objectives
- Identify potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury
- Apply the concept of the 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help
- Discuss the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities
- Identify appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone
Target Audience
Any TGH Team Member
Prerequisites
Approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the course date participants will receive an invite to create a Mental Health First Aid Connect account. Once the account is approved, participants must complete the 2-hour online introduction. Registered participants who do not complete the online portion cannot attend the instructor-led portion.
Suggested Materials
None