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mental health first aid

training & certification

The VA Way also offers Veteran/Active Duty MHFA classes, lead by Veterans! 

The words _Mental Health 101_ on a blackboard in chalk.jpg

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

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Get trained! Training is easy and is conducted in two sessions over ZOOM. For a limited time the cost is $175. 

ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

The VA Way offers Mental Health First Aid Training, a certification course that teaches Veterans and their communities the skills to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crises. 

HOW WILL THE TRAINING HELP?

IT SAVES LIVES! The MHFA Training teaches veterans and their communities how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use related crises. Certified trainees will learn the skills to provide support for an individual developing mental health or substance use problems and connect them to appopriate care. 

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER?

  1. Interacting with individuals in an active crisis

  2. How to connect individuals to mental health professionals

  3. Identifying common signs and symptoms of mental health illness

  4. Identifying common signs and symptoms of substance abuse

what topics are covered?

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Trauma

  • Psychosis

  • Substance use disorder

  • PTSD 

  • How stigmas affect our perception of mental illness and how we can change those perspectives

  • How to reach out to individuals who are suffering in silence and reluctant to seek help

  • Community research information and support

WHAT SKILLS WILL BE GAINED?

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm

  • Objective listening

  • Providing reassurance and information safely

  • Encouraging individuals to seek professional help

  • Encouraging self-help and other support strageties

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE TRAINING?

Everyone, including:

Directors

Educators

Employers

Government Employees

Veterans, Active Duty & Family Members

Customer Service Workers

Food & Beverage Service Workers

Community Members

Caring Individuals

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING DETAILS?

The training is taught in two days, in-person or virtually.

The cost is $175 per person.

We offer special rates for and groups, contact us to learn more.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

To get on the Mental Health First Aid waitlist, inquire about corporate trainings or ask questions, click below.

123 SUICIDES A DAY

American Foundation for suicide prevention

Nearly 1 in 5 US adults live with mental illness

National Institute of Mental Health

630,000

people died from

DRUG OVERDOSE

from 1999-2016

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AFTER 3 YEARS, 73% OF MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINEES REPORT USING SKILLS IN THE TRAINING

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