Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips you with the vital skills to identify and address mental health and substance use challenges, acting as a bridge between crisis and professional help. By enrolling, you're not just learning; you're becoming a beacon of hope in a world where mental well-being is crucial, yet often overlooked."

What is Mental Health First Aid?

MHFA isn't just training; it's a movement. Akin to traditional First Aid and CPR, it equips participants to identify and respond to mental health and substance use crises, enabling you to:

• Recognize mental health warning signs
• Navigate crises & non-crisis situations
• Understand & utilize the 5-step ALGEE Action Plan
• Help those suffering from trauma, especially in the wake of events like COVID-19

Why MHFA Matters

• 130 individuals, on average, die by suicide daily. (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
• 841,000 deaths resulted from drug overdoses between 1999-2019. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. grapple with a mental illness. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Over 3 Million Trained and Counting

Our certified instructors have empowered millions in the U.S. to be Mental Health first-aiders. 

• Advanced understanding and knowledge of mental health issues.
• Confidence in assisting someone in distress.
• Awareness of self-care practices.

Master The 5-Step MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)

• Assess risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmental.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage seeking professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Proof That MHFA Works

• MHFA isn't just another training—it's backed by evidence. Studies consistently show that it:
• Reduces stigma surrounding mental health
• Enhances knowledge & proactive actions
• Elevates the mental well-being of the trainees themselves
   

Become a MHFA Certified & Make a Difference

Every individual trained is a step closer to a society where mental health is prioritized. Dive into our MHFA courses, tailored for diverse communities, from military to rural communities. Become a beacon of hope.

Program Quick Facts

Length of Course: 
1 day, 8 Hours total: 2 hours of synchronous hours to be done before class starts and 6 hours of instructor-led virtual hours on Zoom (with breaks)

When:

• February 24, 2024, Saturday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• June 8, 2024, Saturday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: Live synchronous online for 6 hours and 2 hours asynchronous
Course Code: PS106
Cost: $200

Group Accommodations Available

We are happy to accommodate groups that would like to take this class or organizations that would like to be invoiced for the course. Email us at profstudies@lasell.edu.

Register for the course!

Choose your course below.  Use the scroll bar to see all courses available.  Then click to add one beside the course(s) you want to sign up for. Once you have chosen all the classes, click on the checkout button and add your payment information.   

Learning Outcomes 

• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health challenges on the well-being of adults in the U.S.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving first aid.
• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid 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 challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person shows early signs of a mental health challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person shows worsening signs of a mental health challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to crises.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

Requirements

• Participants should be 18 years or older. 
• Need access to a WiFi enabled device.

Isabelle Gagne M. Ps.   

Born and educated in Canada, Isabelle holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the
Université de Montréal and a Master's degree in Psychology of Human Relations from the Université de Sherbrooke. Isabelle has worked as a Community College Psychology Professor for over 20 years. At Lasell, Isabelle is currently the School of Humanities, Education, Social Science, and Justice Internship Coordinator. Isabelle obtained her Mental Health First Aid Trainer certificate in the summer of 2021 and is passionate about social justice and mental wellness
education.

About The National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Their mission is to champion mental well-being for all. Since introducing MHFA to the U.S. in 2008, they have continuously shaped it as a premier, trusted training program. Our collective vision is to make mental well-being a reality for everyone, whether they face mental health challenges or substance use issues.