Mental Health First Aid

Learn how to connect your clients to the support by sharing hope and facts.

Mental Health First Aid Logo

Identify. Understand.Respond.

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges.

Mental Health First Aid

Many people know to call 911 or administer CPR for a physical health emergency but hesitate to start conversations about mental health and substance use. MHFA provides the tools a layperson needs to take action. MHFA is skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.

Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan to recognize warning signs of a mental
health or substance use challenge, provide help in crisis and non-crisis situations and understand where to turn for additional assistance.
The 5-step Action Plan (ALGEE) is: Assess for risk of suicide or harm; listen nonjudgmentally; give reassurance and information; encourage appropriate professional help; and encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aid Course Objectives

• Describe the purpose of MHFA and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of adults in the United States.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the
person receiving MHFA.
• Explain the five steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a noncrisis scenario in which a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a noncrisis scenario in which a person shows worsening signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to a crisis scenario in which a
person shows signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of MHFA in a noncrisis or
crisis situation.

What to Expect in Mental Health First Aid

Activitives
You learn by getting involved with the material and relating what you learn to real-life applications. Discussion topics, exercises, and other activities keep you engaged in the course and give you an opportunity to practice helping skills.

Environment
A certified nstructor lead each course and follow a national curriculum and teaching standards, while emphasizing hope for recovery. Classes usually consist small and are offered in a respectful, comfortable environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health First Aid

How do we know Mental Health First Aid is effective?

 Studies show that MHFA training reduces stigma, improves knowledge and increases first aid actions toward people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. MHFA is proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Peer-reviewed studies from around the world show that individuals trained in MHFA.

How is the course structured?
  • A 2-hour asynchronous portion must be completed through a web portal before the live virtual session.
  • Depending on your class selection, the live virtual portion will be conducted on an either a full day or 2 half days
  • To receive your certificate you must complete a short assessment online and survey through the web portal.
When will I receive my NBC-HWC CE certificate?

You will receive two certificates. The first will be from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing which certifies you as a Mental Health First Aider. This will be sent to you automatically once you complete the online assessment and survey. Uplift will send you a Certificate of Completion for CE credit.

Do I have to be a health coach to attend this training?

No, anyone can attend this training!

Melissa Leger

Melissa Leger is a dynamic instructor with extensive experience in health and wellness training, specializing in Mental Health First Aid, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and facilitation. As a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Melissa equips leaders and teams with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in the workplace, fostering supportive and resilient environments. Her expertise in MBSR allows her to guide individuals through mindfulness techniques that reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

With over a decade of facilitation experience, Melissa has designed and delivered engaging workshops for diverse audiences, ranging from veterans to corporate leaders. Her sessions are known for being interactive, accessible, and results-driven, empowering participants to build healthier, more productive lives. Whether mentoring new instructors or leading enterprise-level health and wellness programs, Melissa’s passion for education and well-being shines through in every interaction.

Refund Policy

We value your commitment to learning and want to be transparent about our policies before you book.

Minimum Participant Requirement:
All trainings require a minimum of five (5) registered participants to proceed. If we do not reach this minimum, we reserve the right to cancel the training. In the event of a cancellation due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund.

No Refunds Otherwise:
Apart from cancellations initiated by us due to low enrollment, all sales are final. We do not offer refunds for any other reason, including if you do not attend, do not complete, or do not pass the course.

By booking, you acknowledge and agree to this refund policy.

CE Credits Available:

NBHWC: CEA-100007-1 – 7.5 Hours