Adult Mental Health First Aid

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention training program designed to help individuals recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults aged 18 and older 

• Comprehensive Scope: Participants learn to identify risk factors and warning signs related to depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction
   
• Structured Response Strategy: The course introduces a five-step action framework—Assess for risk, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help, and Encourage self‑help and other support strategies
   
• Crisis & Non‑Crisis Preparedness: Training covers how to address both urgent situations (like suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, psychotic episodes, overdose or withdrawal) and everyday mental health struggles
   
• Engaging & Supportive Format: Typically delivered in an instructor-led setting—either as a full 8‑hour session or a blended model combining self‑paced online work with live instruction—this approach ensures participants can actively engage and practice using real-life scenarios and role-playing
  
   

• Promotes Mental Health Literacy: Equips learners with knowledge about mental health conditions and the confidence to take supportive action
   
• Reduces Stigma: Encourages open, empathetic conversations and helps dismantle barriers to seeking help
   
• Connects to Care: Empowers individuals to make a positive impact in moments of crisis and connect others with appropriate professional and peer support
   

A growing body of research underscores the program’s effectiveness: between 2013 and 2024, 72 peer-reviewed studies—including evaluations, reviews, and meta-analyses—highlighted improvements in mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and broader reach across healthcare, community, and military settings