Unlock the Power of Compassion: Join Our Mental Health First Aid Class

Mental health has emerged as a cornerstone of well-being. Yet, the complexities of mental health challenges often go unnoticed until they reach a crisis point. This is where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) steps in, serving as the first line of support. This class transforms everyday individuals into skilled mental health first-aiders. Participants will be ready to act with knowledge and empathy.

The Essence of Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is more than a training program. It’s an international movement. MHFA is understanding the signs of mental distress and responding with a humane touch. A Mental Health First Aider serves as a bridge between the person experiencing distress and professional help. In our class, you will learn how to approach someone in need, offer comfort, and guide them toward the path of recovery. You’ll learn to do this while respecting their situation and privacy.

The Silent Epidemic Among Adults

Mental health issues are often referred to as the silent epidemic. Millions of adults in the U.S. face challenges such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These issues can lead to severe consequences. These consequences include deteriorating physical health, impaired social functioning, and economic strain. Our class addresses the scale and impact of this epidemic. The training provides you with the context and understanding needed to see the person behind the condition.

Hope and Recovery

One of the most powerful messages our class imparts is that of hope. Recovery from mental health challenges is not a linear journey, but it is attainable. We share stories of resilience and recovery backed by evidence-based practices. These reinforce the potential for positive outcomes. This message is crucial for those experiencing mental health challenges. But it’s also important for those around them to foster an environment of support and optimism.

Safety and Privacy: The Pillars of Trust

In our training, we emphasize the dual principles of safety and privacy. For the Mental Health First Aider, this means learning to recognize one’s own limits. You’ll be able to ensure personal safety while assisting others. For the person in distress, it means ensuring confidentiality and respectful treatment. We teach you how to create a safe space – physically and emotionally. You learn how to encourage open, trust-filled communication.

The ALGEE Action Plan: A Five-Step Lifeline

The ALGEE Action Plan is the core framework of MHFA. Our class breaks down each step:

Approach, Assess, and Assist with any crisis: We train you to approach with care, assess for risk of harm, and assist with crisis situations confidently.
Listen non-judgmentally: You’ll learn the art of listening — a skill that can often be more powerful than speaking.
Give reassurance and information: We provide you with the knowledge to reassure someone in distress, offering information that can help demystify mental health challenges.
Encourage appropriate professional help: You’ll learn how to navigate the complex world of mental health services and encourage others to seek professional advice.
Encourage self-help and other support strategies: We explore various self-help techniques and support networks that can aid in recovery.

Recognizing the Signs

Mental health challenges can be silent and invisible. Our class teaches you to identify subtle signs someone might struggle with. These signs can be changes in behavior, mood, or appearance. Recognizing these signs early can be the key to preventing a full-blown crisis.

The Power of Early Intervention

Early intervention can alter the course of a mental health challenge. We discuss the impact of timely support. You learn how support can reduce the severity of an illness and promote recovery. Support can even prevent a condition from developing further. Our class provides you with the tools to act.

Applying ALGEE in Real Life

Through role-playing and scenarios, you’ll practice applying the ALGEE steps in various situations. This can be someone showing early signs of a mental health challenge. Or it could be those exhibiting worsening symptoms or acute crises. This hands-on approach ensures that you leave ready to face real-world challenges.

Self-Care: The First Aider’s Compass

We focus on the well-being of the Mental Health First Aider. Engaging with others’ emotional pain can take a toll, and self-care is paramount. We teach strategies for maintaining your mental health and setting boundaries. And we help you to know when to seek help for yourself.

Join Us: Be the Change

Our Mental Health First Aid class is more than educational. The class is a commitment to human compassion and societal well-being. You become part of a community dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health. You help to build a support network for those in need.

Course Overview:

This 8-hour course is offered in-person or virtually. The virtual class requires two hours of prework, all video-based, which must be completed before 6-hour virtual training session. You must register for the training to have access to the prework.

Fill out the request form below to learn how to enroll to become a certified Mental Health First Aider. Your journey towards making a difference starts here.