Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program offered to organizations that introduces their employees to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Mental Health First Aid is a live 2-day, instructor-led training course, which uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provides initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources.
Mental Health First Aid allows for early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find mental health help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health professionals and resources, national organizations, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.
Mental Health First Aid demystifies mental illness and gives participants the capacity to obtain, process, and understand the health information and services needed to make appropriate decisions and seek care.