The Center is proud to offer the evidence-based program Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
COURSE DETAILS
Just as CPR helps those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a five-step action plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support:
- 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
Our Nationally Certified Instructor will come to your site to conduct the training. The eight-hour training can be held in two formats: one full eight-hour day or two four-hour days.
There are two types of Mental Health First Aid that are taught by the instructor: Youth and Adult.
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
The adult Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches the five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders, ADD/ADHD, and eating disorders.
Please note: Mental Health First Aid is designed for the general public and not for mental health professionals.
SCHEDULE A TRAINING FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION
For more information and/or to obtain a price quote for Mental Health First Aid, please contact the Center at cph-practice@osu.edu.
To learn more about this life-saving training, please visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.