Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based certification course that gives people practical skills to support someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Like CPR, MHFA prepares participants to recognize when someone may need help, begin a supportive conversation and connect them with appropriate resources.
Let's make Mental Health First Aid training as common in our society as CPR training!
Communities In Schools of Chicago offers both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid.
Youth MHFA prepares parents, family members, educators, school staff, youth-serving professionals, and other caring adults to support young people during adolescence. Adult MHFA focuses on helping adults support other adults.
Participants learn how to recognize common signs and symptoms, respond to a mental health or substance use crisis, and use the five-step MHFA Action Plan.
Courses are interactive and include group discussions, activities, and realistic scenarios that allow participants to practice what they are learning. After completing the course, participants become certified Mental Health First Aiders with the knowledge and confidence to offer initial support and help connect someone to professional care when needed.
The Mental Health First Aid curriculum is provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Trainings are delivered by certified MHFA instructors from Communities In Schools of Chicago and are open to school staff, parents, adult family members, community partners, and other community members who want to help build a stronger network of support around young people and adults.
Trainings are offered in person at Communities In Schools of Chicago, 815 W. Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60607, or virtually through Zoom. The cost is $15 per participant. Register for an upcoming training using the form below.
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Feedback from Youth Mental Health First Aid Participants
“The course provided me with a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. I found it to be an exceptionally beneficial and informative learning experience.”
“I found every aspect of the training very helpful.”
Interested in requesting a separate Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid training dates for your school, company, or organization? Email us at [email protected].