Mental Health First Aid

Overview

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid USA is managed, operated, and disseminated by three national authorities — the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. To read more about Mental Health First Aid, please visit: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

MHFA is an 8-hour instructional course. Upon completion of the course, participants will be Mental Health First Aid Certificated. A one-hour lunch break is provided (lunch on own), as well as two 15-minute breaks. Training runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All instruction hours must be attended to become MHFA Certificated. A course outline is provided below.

In our area, the training is supported by Tulare County's Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) - Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Plan - Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Program. A fee is not being charged at this time for participation.

 

Upcoming Sessions and Registration

Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) has been hosting these trainings since August 2023. Please visit their website for trainings at https://tcoe.org/specialeducation/calendar or you may email the SPTF at sptf@tularecounty.ca.gov. 

 

 

 

Course Outline (8-hour course agenda):

SESSION 1

Part 1

  • What is Mental Health First Aid?
  • Mental Health Problems in the USA
  • The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

Part 2

  • Understanding Depression
  • Crisis First Aid for Suicidal Behavior & Depressive Symptoms

 

SESSION 2

Part 1

  • What is Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?
  • Understanding Anxiety Disorders
  • Crisis First Aid for Panic Attacks

Part 2

  • Crisis First Aid for Traumatic events
  • Crisis First Aid for Acute Stress Reaction

 

SESSION 3

Part 1

  • Understanding Psychotic Disorders
  • Crisis First Aid for Acute Psychosis, Aggressive Behavior, and Psychotic Symptoms

Part 2

  • Understanding Substance Use Disorder
  • Crisis First Aid for Overdose
  • Crisis First Aid for Withdrawal

 

SESSION 4

Part 1

  • Understanding Eating Disorders
  • Crisis First Aid for Eating Disorders

Part 2

  • Using Mental Health First Aid

 

Questions

Please call send an email to the SPTF by clicking here.