Mental Health First Aid

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help  to a person experiencing a mental health challenge, mental disorder or a mental health crisis. It also teaches how to connect someone to the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Mental Health First Aid is included on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

Course Details

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis:

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

Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First Aiders do not take on the role of professionals — they do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions, like “what do I do?” and “where can someone find help?” Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors provide a list of community healthcare providers and national resources, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support. All trainees receive a program manual to compliment the course material.

There are two core versions of this program –

MHANYS MHFA instructors are able to teach both of the above. Additionally, MHANYS instructors can provide the following specialized modules of MHFA:

See which MHANYS affiliates have MHFA instructors?

Mental Health First Aid at MHANYS

MHANYS has been a leader in bringing Mental Health First Aid to New York State. Since 2010 MHANYS staff has been offering this program to New Yorkers throughout the state. MHANYS can also help you or your organization take the course, save a life, strengthen your community.

For more information about
Mental Health First Aid,
contact MHANYS:
email mhfa@mhanys.org
or call 518-434-0439.

KNOWLEDGE

Not certified in Mental Health First Aid? Register for a class today.

The Mental Health First Aid courses offered by MHANYS and its affiliate network can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of
mental health challenges.

AWARENESS

Help us put an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness.

MHANYS has many sponsorship opportunities. Sponsor a Mental Health First Aid class today.

RESPECT

Be prepared.

Mental health problems are common. Help, hope, and healing involves support networks and team work.

That’s only half the story.

Because your mental health
is just as important.

Stigmatizing mental illness.

Today, one in four Americans are
affected, but two out of three
never receive help.

MHFA News & Updates from MHANYS