Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is intended for adults who wish to help people with emerging mental health disorders or experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal of MHFA training is to teach people to recognize signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder or mental health crisis. Participants also learn a 5-step action plan to engage and ultimately guide people to both professional and community resources that can help.
Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors lead Part Two of the training. The 6-hour session takes the knowledge and skills learned in part one and applies them to crisis and non-crisis situations. Through a combination of lectures, activities, scenarios, and videos, participants learn to assess, approach, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance/information, encourage appropriate help, and encourage self-help to people showing signs/symptoms of a mental health disorder or mental health crisis.

Participants who complete the class receive a 3-year certification as a Mental Health First Aider.

This program is presented in part by the Department of Public Instruction, with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the form of a Professional Learning Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant.