Mental Health First Aid Training

One in four Americans lives with a mental health problem each year. Yet, far too many – up to two-thirds – go without treatment. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Background
In 2001, Mental Health First Aid was created by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education at the University of Melbourne. Five published studies in Australia show that the program saves lives; improves the mental health of the individual administering care and the one receiving it; expands knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments; increases services provided; and reduces overall stigma by improving mental health “literacy.”

In order to increase public understanding of these disorders and improve treatment for those affected by them, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare piloted Mental Health First Aid in the United States starting in 2008. The program has also been replicated in the England, Scotland, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland and Singapore.

About the Course
The Mental Health First Aid Program is an interactive session which runs eight hours. Mental Health First Aid certification must be renewed every three years, and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common treatments.

Specifically, participants learn:

• The potential risk facts and warning signs for a range of mental health problems including: Depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury

• A five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess a situation, select and implement appropriate interventions and help the individual in crisis connect with the appropriate professional care

• An understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in the community

• The appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health issue

Who should become a Mental Health First Aider?
Specific audiences for each training vary, but include hospitals and federally qualified health centers, state policymakers, employers and chambers of commerce, faith communities, school personnel, state police and corrections staff, nursing home staff, mental health authorized support staff, young people, families and the general public.