Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training that equips people with the knowledge and skills to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health and substance-use challenges. It teaches participants how to identify warning signs, assess risk, listen and communicate effectively, and provide initial support until appropriate professional or community help is engaged. The course emphasizes practical, real-world strategies for early intervention, reducing stigma, and promoting safety and well-being across diverse settings. With specialized versions for adults, youth, first responders, veterans, higher education, corrections, and older adults, Mental Health First Aid strengthens communities by empowering individuals to take informed, compassionate action when mental health concerns arise.
Adult
Adult Mental Health First Aid trains participants to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance-use challenges in adults. It builds skills in assessing risk, offering nonjudgmental support, and connecting individuals to appropriate professional and community resources to promote safety, recovery, and well-being.
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Youth
Youth Mental Health First Aid prepares adults to recognize and respond to mental health and substance-use challenges specific to adolescents. It focuses on youth development, risk and protective factors, and how to support young people through early intervention, effective communication, and connection to age-appropriate resources.
teen
teen Mental Health First Aid teaches teens to recognize signs of mental health challenges in peers and respond with supportive, appropriate actions. It builds skills in listening, seeking help from trusted adults, and promoting a safe, inclusive environment, empowering young people to support one another and strengthen overall school and community well-being.
Fire & EMS
Fire & EMS Mental Health First Aid equips first responders to recognize and address mental health and substance-use challenges encountered in the field. It focuses on responder-specific stressors, effective on-scene communication, support for impacted individuals, and strategies to maintain responder wellness and resilience.
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Veterans, Miliary & Their Families
Veterans, Military Members, and Their Families Mental Health First Aid focuses on the unique stressors of military culture and transitions. It prepares participants to recognize mental health and substance-use challenges, support those affected, and connect them with culturally informed resources that honor service experiences and strengthen family and community resilience.
Corrections
Mental Health First Aid for Corrections Professionals addresses the distinct behavioral health challenges within correctional settings. It trains staff to recognize signs of mental health and substance-use concerns, de-escalate safely, and support individuals in custody with appropriate, trauma-informed responses while promoting safer facilities and staff well-being.
Higher Education
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education prepares faculty, staff, and student leaders to recognize and respond to mental health and substance-use challenges common on college campuses. It emphasizes early intervention, supportive communication, and connection to campus and community resources to promote student safety, persistence, and overall well-being.
Older Adults
Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults focuses on the unique mental health and substance-use challenges related to aging. It prepares participants to recognize signs of concern, address stigma, communicate effectively, and connect older adults with appropriate supports that promote safety, dignity, independence, and overall well-being.