Mental Health First Aid Training

Compassion in action. Courage in crisis.

What Mental Health First Aid Is:

  • Recognizing Common Signs and Symptoms
    Learn how to identify early signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in order to intervene early and reduce negative impacts on both work and personal life.

  • Understanding Substance Use Challenges
    Build skills to recognize signs of substance use, respond without judgment, and reduce stigma by connecting individuals to appropriate support and resources.

  • Responding in Times of Crisis or Trauma
    Gain confidence in supporting someone experiencing a crisis or traumatic event—such as grief, financial loss, divorce, or sudden displacement—through compassionate, non-judgmental interaction

  • Connecting to Professional and Self-Help Resources
    Learn practical strategies to guide someone toward professional treatment, workplace supports (like EAP), or self-care strategies, ensuring they aren’t left to navigate challenges alone.

  • Expanding Knowledge of Mental Health Experiences
    Develop awareness of complex mental health presentations—such as auditory hallucinations or non-suicidal self-injury—enhancing understanding, empathy, and confidence in responding effectively.

Training Format

In-Person Training

Perfect for organizations that want a team-building, face-to-face experience.

  • Full Day Option

    • One 8-hour, in-person session with a certified instructor.

  • Two-Day Option

    • Two 4-hour sessions, ideal for breaking up the learning into shorter blocks.

Virtual Training

Great for remote or hybrid teams—engaging, interactive, and accessible from anywhere.

  • Blended Format (Most Popular)

    • Self-paced prework (approx. 2 hours) completed online.

    • Live Instructor-led session (6 hours, usually one full day or two half-days) on Zoom.

What Employees and Leadership Gain

Practical Skills

Employees learn a clear 5-step action plan to recognize signs of distress, listen non-judgmentally, provide reassurance, and connect peers with professional support.

Confidence in Crisis

Instead of feeling uncertain or helpless, staff feel equipped to step forward with courage and respond appropriately in mental health or substance use situations.

Empathy & Connection

Participants strengthen their ability to approach coworkers, friends, or family with compassion — building a culture of care and trust at work.

Resilience & Leadership

Employees gain tools they can use for themselves as well, improving self-awareness, stress management, and resilience that carries into all aspects of life.

Got A Little Extra Time?

Tramaine El-Amin, Vice President of Mental Health First Aid USA; Professor Tony Jorm, co-founder of Mental Health First Aid International; and Dr. Claire Kelly, Director of International Programs at Mental Health First Aid International. Together, they discussed the program’s evolution, impact to date, and the life-changing power of compassionate conversations.