Respond to a Mental Health or Substance Use Concern with Care and Compassion

Mental Health First Aid® is for everyone. People whose occupations have a high level of daily interaction with the public, such as first responders, nurses, teachers, and police officers, have found the course very valuable. In addition, people who have taken Mental Health First Aid, have found the course to be relevant and useful in their personal lives.

Mental Health First Aid® is an evidence-based public education national certification course. Participants learn to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health problem or crisis, to identify community resources, and to link individuals in need of support to appropriate care. This skills-based course includes a 5­-step action plan which can be used in various types of crisis and non-crisis situations.

The 5 Step Action Plan, ALGEE, includes:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen non-judgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage appropriate professional help
Encourage self-help and other support strategies