Mental Health First Aid in Northwest Washington
First aid isn’t only for medical emergencies. Just as CPR skills can help when someone is having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.
Take a course. Save a life. Strengthen your community.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. From knowing what to say if someone is considering suicide, to understanding behavioral health needs and the steps to connect folks with care, this course empowers participants to help family, friends, co-workers, students, customers and fellow community members.
Interested individuals can register for an upcoming session, or large groups can sign up for a private session, where we will send a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor to your organization or set up a virtual presentation of the course.
Register for an Upcoming Training
Check out our event calendar to register for an upcoming mental health training session.
Or reach out to schedule a private course for your organization or large group.
Who Should Learn Mental Health First Aid?
Anyone 18 or older can take Youth Mental Health First Aid. These trainings are an early intervention strategy that serves every individual and organization. Schools, businesses, and other groups that interact with the public can benefit from learning the warning signs in those around them.
This introductory course is intended for the broader community, not current mental health treatment providers or school counselors.
Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid certification at Compass Health
Compass Health offers both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings. Both teach people how to identify the warning signs of deteriorating mental health or substance use, and the ALGEE method to approaching a person in crisis.
ALGEE
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Do you offer Mental Health First Aid for groups or businesses?
Yes. Mental Health First Aid is for everyone. Leaders and staff at schools, local businesses, public agencies and other groups that interact with the community can benefit from learning how to help those around them.
Interested individuals can register for an upcoming session, or large groups can sign up for a private session, where we will send a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor to your organization or set up a virtual presentation of the course.
Youth Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certification: what’s the difference?
Both teach valuable skills around recognizing the warning signs in somebody struggling with their mental health, and how to connect them with care.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is tailored specifically for those who regularly interact with teens and children. Parents, coaches, teachers, and others who work with teens would benefit from taking the Youth Mental First Aid trainings.
Recognize When You Need Help
Do you think you might need help with your mental health? Start the referral process or review the list by clicking on “Learn More”.
Program Growth
More than 1 million people have been trained to date, including Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga and many other notable figures. Join them by registering for an upcoming session.