Mental Health First Aid Class

Mental Health First Aid is between five to seven hours long. It is broken up into three (3) portions, the Pre-Work Section, the Skills Section, and the Post-Work Section. This training is free through the Local Behavioral Health Authority at the Maryland Department of Health. All materials are free. Once the pre/skills/post work and evaluations are completed (with a passing score), you will obtain a certificate that is valid for three (3) years.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.

Before you can help, you must understand the challenges we face, and the specific tools designed to respond. This course provides a structured framework for identifying and supporting individuals in need.

Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges

• Recognizing early warning signs in adults, including changes in mood, energy levels, and daily functioning.
• Understanding the impact of common disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges

• Identifying the physical and behavioral indicators of alcohol and drug misuse.
• Distinguishing between recreational use and a developing substance use disorder.

How to interact with a person in crisis

• Applying the ALGEE Action Plan to provide immediate support during high-risk situations like panic attacks or suicidal ideation.
• Learning de-escalation techniques to safely communicate with someone experiencing extreme distress or a psychotic episode.

How to connect a person with help

• Identifying appropriate professional resources, including primary care providers, therapists, and crisis hotlines.
• Understanding the importance of encouraging self-help and other support strategies like exercise, sleep, and peer support groups.

Expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care

• Trauma: Recognizing how past experiences influence current mental health and learning trauma-informed approaches to care.
• Substance Use: Diving deeper into the specific risks of the current overdose crisis and the use of life-saving interventions like Naloxone (Narcan).
• Self-Care: Prioritizing the mental well-being of the “First Aider” to prevent burnout and ensure you are emotionally ready to support others.

• 100% Virtual: Learners receive their training during a 7.5 hour, Instructor led, in-person session.
• Blended: Learners complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and participate in a 4.5-5.5 hour Instructor led training.

Mental health challenges are common, but with the right training, you can be the difference in someone’s recovery. Whether you choose our in-person or blended learning format, you will walk away with the confidence and skills needed to safely intervene and offer support when it matters most. Join the thousands of caring individuals who are learning how to save lives and foster more resilient communities.