Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a 12-hour course that teaches people how to give first aid to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis situation and/or who are in the early stages of a mental health disorder. The aid provided is not a substitute for professional help, but may help in stabilizing the person until appropriate professional or other assistance (including peer and family support) can be engaged.

The participants learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to get help, and what type of help has been shown to be effective, by using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan, abbreviated as ALGEE:

• Assess risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non-judgmental
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
• Encourage self–help and other support strategies from peers, family members, and friends.

Certified MHFA/USA Instructors deliver the 12-hour course, which can be scheduled flexibly. These Instructors have successfully completed an intensive, authorized five-day training course to become accredited MHFA/USA Instructors. The curriculum is interactive and class size is generally limited to 20-22 participants to maintain a quality experience.

Resources and Publications:

History of Mental Health First Aid

Missouri Mental Health First Aid

Oklahoma Mental Health First Aid Trainers

Power Point Presentation
 

Helpful Links:

Mental Health First Aid FAQs

The National Council on Behavioral Health

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mental-Health-First-Aid-Maryland/80075331830

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
1200 NE 13th Street
PO Box 53277
Oklahoma City, OK  73152-3277
405-522-3908    405-522-3851 TDD    405-522-3650 Fax
Toll-Free, 24 Hours  1-800-522-9054 
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