Mental Health First Aid

The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourge appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies

The Mental Health First Aid Course

Why Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour virtual or in person training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Class sizes can include as few as ten people or up to thirty participants.

*Virtual training includes 2 hours of virtual prework and 6 hours of live instruction over Zoom.

Over 4,500 Vermonters have already been trained in Youth or Adult Mental Health Fist Aid! Training is offered virtually or in person. Specific modules for MHFA training including:

  • Fire/EMS
  • Higher Education
  • Older Adults
  • Veterans

What It Covers

  • Common signs and symptoms of mental illness.
  • Common signs and symptoms of substance use.
  • How to interact with a person in crisis.
  • How to connect the person with help.
  • NEW: How to administer naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose.

Who Should Take It

  • Employers
  • Police officers
  • Hospital staff
  • First responders
  • Faith leaders
  • Community members
  • Caring individuals

Where Can I Learn More?

Mental Health First Aid Trainings are provided to Vermonter’s at no cost and are funded by a SAMHSA Grant Aware VT and Northwestern Counseling and Support Services. To find out more information about Mental Health Fist Aid, or to set up a training please follow one of the links provided below or contact Emily Richards at 802-393-6406 or emily.richards@ncssinc.org