Mental Health First Aid

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.

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.

Register for an Upcoming Training

Check out our event calendar to register for an upcoming mental health training session.

VIEW UPCOMING TRAININGS HERE

Or reach out to Compass Health’s LTD Development to schedule a private course for your organization or large group.

Choose the Course That’s Right for You

Adult MHFA – Focus: Supporting adults

  • 8-hour course
  • Ideal for anyone – neighbors, parents, friends, workplaces
  • Register now button

Youth MHFA – Focus: Supporting teens and children

  • 8-hour course
  • Ideal for parents, coaches, teachers, and others who work with children and teens
  • Register now button

The ALGEE Action Plan

Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings teach the ALGEE method for supporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis. More than one million people have completed the training to date, including Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, and other notable advocates for mental wellness.

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

Need Support Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Click here to start the referral process or call (425) 349-8200.

 

What You’ll Gain from the Course

Confidence to help someone in crisis

Communication skills for tough conversations

Awareness of local and national resources

3-year certification

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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Take a Mental Health First Aid course and help build a more supportive, informed community.

View Upcoming Trainings
Request Private Trainings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take MHFA trainings?

Anyone over 18 can take a course.

Your certification is valid for 3 years.

Public trainings for both youth and adult mental health first aid are available, as well as private courses for large groups.

Trainings are recommended for schools, businesses, public agencies, and everyone who interacts with the community.

Please note: This introductory course is intended for the general public, not current mental health treatment providers or school counselors.