About the Program: Program Overview
Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid USA is managed, operated, and disseminated by three national authorities — the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Mental Health First Aid is offered in the form of an interactive 12-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Those who take the 12-hour course to certify as Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid USA course has benefited a variety of audiences and key professions, including: primary care professionals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel and educators, state police and corrections officers, nursing home staff, mental health authorities, state policymakers, volunteers, young people, families and the general public. See how you can get involved — find a 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course near you or learn how you can become a certified instructor to teach the 12-hour course in your community.
Governments are paying attention to Mental Health First Aid.
Mental Health First Aid is featured in USA Today.
Mental Health First Aid has been featured in national media on NPR Morning Edition, NPR Talk of the Nation, and ABC News Now.
Upcoming Instructor Certification Courses
Questions about Mental Health First Aid USA? Contact Us.
Note: This site presents information about Mental Health First Aid USA. For information on the Australian program, go to www.mhfa.com.au.
JUST ANNOUCED!
Mental Health First Aid Courses in Washington, DC:
Do something good for your community, your family and your own mental health – become a Certified Mental Health First-Aider in 2011!
The next class starts Feb 23rd and runs on four consecutive Wednesday nights (February 23rd ,March 2nd, March 9th, and March 16th)
Sign up today – there are only 15 seats per class!
The 12 hour certification course includes all class materials and a copy of the handy reference manual Mental Health First Aid. Sandwiches and drinks will be included.
Tuition for this course is $150 per person.
To sign up, email bryang@thenationalcouncil.org, or call 202-684-3742.
Can’t make next month’s class? No problem, here are others also scheduled on Wednesday nights all at 1701 K Street:
Mental Health First Aid Course 2: May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15
Mental Health First Aid Course 3: August 3,10,17,24
Mental Health First Aid Course 4: October 26, November 2,9,16
