What is Mental Health First Aid and what does it teach?

• MHFA is skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.

• Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved.

• Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan to recognize warning signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, provide help in crisis and non-crisis situations, and understand where to turn for additional assistance.
  • The 5-step Action Plan (ALGEE) is: Assess for risk of suicide or harm; listen nonjudgmentally; give reassurance and information; encourage appropriate professional help; and encourage self-help and other support strategies. 

How do we know MHFA is effective?

MHFA is proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Peer-reviewed studies from around the world show that individuals trained in MHFA:

• Expand their knowledge of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges. 
• Can identify appropriate types of professionals and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge. 
• Have increased confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress. 
• Show increased mental well-being themselves.