Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a standardized, eight-hour certification training designed to give you key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual experiencing a heart attack, MHFA training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. In both situations, the goal is to help support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives.
To earn certification for successfully completing this online MHFA offering, you must complete all three components:
- The self-paced, online pre-session work (two hours, required prior to the first live session)
- Two live/synchronous three-hour sessions via Zoom (4/26 and 4/27, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon)
- Anyone who wants to learn how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
Virtual MHFA is a standardized, eight-hour course that involves:
- A two-hour, self-paced online pre-work assignment on MHFA topics and a brief training on the online Zoom platform, that is used to host the live part of the class. Please note that you will need to complete the two-hour pre-work BEFORE the live portion of the class.
- Six hours of instructor-lead, live training on Zoom, offered in two, three-hour sessions.
About two weeks prior to the scheduled live session, you will receive a separate email from the presenter with directions and information on enrolling in the course and accessing the online pre-work.
Through lecture, role-play, and simulations, you will learn a five-step strategy that includes identifying risk factors and warning signs, assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports.
MHFA is provided through the Evidence-Based Practices and Resource Center of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Participants who successfully complete the full training and final knowledge check will earn an MHFA certificate that is valid for three years and can be renewed.
- Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury
- Recognize mental health challenges common among adolescents, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavioral disorders, and substance use disorders
- Use a five-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help
- Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the United States and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities
- Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery
- Assess your own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
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