Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.
Youth
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 6-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis and help connect them to the appropriate care. Training length varies based on a format (fully in-person, fully virtual, and hybrid) and focuses on the following topics.
Recognizing common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Recognizing common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
Understanding how to interact with a young person in crisis.
Knowing how to connect a young person with help.
Better understanding of trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.
Adult
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Training length varies based on a format (fully in-person, fully virtual, and hybrid) and focuses on the following topics.
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
How to interact with a person in crisis.
How to connect a person with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care.