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Adult Mental Health First AidAdult Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adults, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adult in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Course includes: Manual, all course supplies, 3-yr certification *Each class must have a minimum of 5 registrants.* |
What you will learn
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adults, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance-use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support an adult developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Who created the course?
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program that was created in Australia in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor. The National Council for Behavioral Health operates Mental Health First Aid USA in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. For more information about the program, including history, research, global Mental Health First Aid, and program regulation in the U.S., click here
