About MHFA
Mental Health First Aid classes can be taken virtually from the comfort of your own home
Similar to First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), for medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trains participants to identify and respond with a 5-step action plan to potential mental illness or substance use disorders until appropriate professional help can arrive.
Training staff to recognize risk factors and warning signs through experiential activities can minimize the impact of illness on employees and the workplace.
Youth
Youth MHFA 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 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. It is primarily designed for adult participants who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.
Adult
Adult MHFA is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Available in both English and Spanish, course participants come from a variety of backgrounds and play various roles in their community. Instructors may specialize in providing the course to groups such as police officers or faith leaders. Look for icons on instructor profiles for public safety, rural, higher education and faith.
Topics covered include: Emotional Problems, Depression, Crisis First Aid for Suicidal Behavior, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks, Acute Stress Reaction, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Eating Disorders, Self-Injury, and more.
Earn Your Certification
Completion of each 8-hour course earns participants Mental Health First Aider certification (valid for three years) through the National Council on Behavioral Health. Certification is ideal for educators, community volunteers, church groups, day care staff, social service providers, business leaders, training departments, supervisors and organizations dealing directly with the public.
Contact
Email mhfa@mbhci.org to schedule Mental Health First Aid training for your team today.
Upcoming Community Courses
Like our Facebook page for notifications on upcoming training sessions.
Upcoming Events
The Meridian Prevention Department is inviting you to a FREE Youth MHFA Virtual Training, Friday, May 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
YMHFA is an interactive training that teaches participants how to recognize and respond to mental health or substance use challenges in youth and connect them to the appropriate help. All participants earn a certificate of completion at the end of the session.
This is a VIRTUAL training and the link to join will be sent via email after you register.
For more information or to register for the course, email Maddie Adkins at maddie_adkins@mbhci.org.
