Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches adults & teens how to help an individual that is experiencing mental health challenges. It is designed to teach people how to identify, understand, assist, and support someone suffering from poor mental health. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide the initial help and support needed. Whether it be assisting someone with mental health, substance use problem or crisis.
Mental Health First Aid Training Versions:
Blended Training: Comprised of a 2-hour self-paced, online course to be completed on the Mental Health First Aid Connect website; followed by a 5-hour in-person session provided by two certified MHFA instructors at the location of your choice.
Virtual Training: Comprised of a 2-hour self-paced, online course to be completed on the Mental Health First Aid Connect website; followed by a 5-hour session provided by two certified MHFA instructors online via Microsoft Teams.
In-Person Training: A 6.5-hour training provided in person at the location of your choice by two certified MHFA instructors.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course designed to give adults the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be in crisis or developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate care. It teaches adults who work with youth how to identify, understand, and respond to signs & symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders.
WHO SHOULD KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
- Parents • Teachers • Coaches
- School Staff • Custodians • Bus Drivers
- Social Workers • Cafeteria Employees • Camp Counselors
- Youth Group Leaders • Adults who work with Youth
Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course designed to give adults the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to others who may be in crisis or developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate care. It teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs & symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders.
COMMUNITY SPECIFIC ADULT TRAININGS AVAILABLE:
- Fire / EMS • Higher Education
- Older Adults • Corrections Professions
- Public Safety • Military, Veterans and Families
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) builds a powerful community of teens ages 15-18 or Teens in grades 9th- 12th by teaching them how to support a friend or classmate with the evidence-based teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) course.
Adolescence is a time of critical change and development. It’s when mental health challenges may first emerge and may be the cause for falling grades, problems with close relationships and substance use. Young people will be prepared to provide support for their peers as well as better cope with mental health challenges themselves.
tMHFA was brought to the United States by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with Born This Way Foundation and is tailored to the unique experiences and needs of young people. Its plain language ensures learners at all reading levels can easily follow along.
WHAT IT COVERS
- How to open the conversation about mental health and substance use challenges.
- Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
- The impact of school violence and bullying on mental wellbeing.
- How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult.
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Roxanne Rodriguez Saldaña, MSSW MHFA Coordinator Phone: (956) 289-4203 |
https://youtu.be/89gbKxeeN_E?si=5l3IbjGudyrFAvnk
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does training need to be completed in one day?
No, the training can be split into multiple days if needed.
Is there a minimum/maximum number of participants needed for trainings?
Yes, a minimum of 15 participants per class is required and a maximum of no more than 30 per class.
Is 30 the limit of people that can be trained in one day?
No, we can train more than 30 participants in a day depending on trainer availability. (Example: If 3 separate calsses, with 30 participants in each class, are conducted in a day, 90 participants can be trained for that day.)
In what languages can training be conducted in?
Adult & Youth MHFA trainings can be done in either English or Spanish.
Are Teen trainings done in one day?
No, teen training can be completed in three 90 min sessions OR six 45 min sessions.
Can any student attend the Teen MHFA training?
No, trainings are scheduled by grade level. We train 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders, however, all participants for each class must be of the same grade level (Example: Class of all 9th graders OR all 10th graders, etc.)
Once certified in MHFA, how long is the certification good for?
Upon completing training requirements, participants are certified as Mental Health First Aiders for three years.
Who can I contact for more information on Mental Health First Aid?
Please contact our MHFA Coordinator, Roxanne Rodriguez Saldaña with any questions and/or to schedule a training at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (956)289-4203.