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Mental Health First Aid

Evidence-Based and Skill-Based Training

Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, and provides support during non-crisis situations.

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Mental Health First Aiders

Increase Mental Health Literacy

Learn a 5-step Action Plan for Mental Health

Provide Help in Crisis and Non-Crisis Situations

Understand Where to Turn for Assistance

Why become a First Aider?

First aiders care about the mental health of their family, friends, coworkers, and community members.

  • Gain Empathy

  • Support Others

  • Be a Role Model

  • Prevent Crises

Who can be a First Aider?

Anyone 13 and older who has successfully completed a MHFA training becomes a First Aider.

  • Family and Friends

  • Educators

  • Public Safety Workers

  • General Public


Adult Mental Health First Aid

For adults 18 and over.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.

For open trainings that may be available, visit Upcoming Events.

Higher Education

This training — which focuses on the unique experiences and needs of college students — gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Older Adults

This training — which focuses on the unique experiences and needs of adults over the age of 65 — gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Public Safety

This training 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.

Fire & EMS

Firefighters and EMS personnel are constantly exposed to traumatic events and life-threatening situations that can take a toll on mental health.

Strengthen your community and get your firefighters and EMS personnel certified in Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS, a trusted evidence-based
and early intervention training program.

Veterans

Mental Health First Aid for Veterans, Military Members and their Families teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid

For adults who regularly interact with young people.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. 

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Teen Mental Health First Aid

For teens in grades 10-12 or ages 15-18.

teenMHFA empowers teens to take charge of their mental health and have the skills to talk to their peers about mental health and substance use challenges. It reviews common signs and symptoms related to mental health and substance use, the impact of violence, stigma, and bullying, and how to seek the help of an adult.