Education • Confidence • Community
Mental Health First Aid Training
Learn how to recognize warning signs, respond to a mental health or substance use crisis and help someone connect with the support they need.
Be Ready to Respond
First aid for a different kind of emergency
Most of us know roughly what CPR is for, even if we have never had to use it. Mental Health First Aid works on a similar principle, except the emergency may involve mental health or substance use rather than a heart attack.
Dr. Gail Ravello is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and teaches the course in Roswell. The curriculum is administered nationally by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
The Action Plan
Meet ALGEE
The Mental Health First Aid action plan gives participants a practical framework they can remember when a real situation unfolds.
Assess
Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
Listen
Listen nonjudgmentally.
Give
Give reassurance and information.
Encourage
Encourage appropriate professional help.
Encourage
Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Topics Covered
Understand what you may be seeing
Explore the major areas covered during training. Recovery and the strengths people use to stay well run throughout the course.
Depression & Mood+
Recognize signs associated with depression and other mood disorders and learn how to begin a supportive conversation.
Anxiety+
Understand common warning signs of anxiety disorders and how to respond when anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Trauma+
Learn how people may respond after traumatic events and how to offer practical, nonjudgmental support.
Psychosis+
Recognize experiences such as hallucinations or delusions and learn safer ways to respond.
Substance Use+
Identify warning signs associated with substance use disorders, overdose and withdrawal.
Practice Makes It Useful
Learn how ALGEE applies to real situations
Scenario Practice
Panic attacks
Participants work through how the Mental Health First Aid action plan can apply in situations like this — what to notice, how to approach the person, what to say and when professional or emergency support may be needed.
Role-play and scenario work help turn the framework into something participants can recall when they actually need it.
Who It's For
You do not need to be a clinician
Mental Health First Aid was built for ordinary people who may be nearby when someone needs help.
Curriculum
Adult Mental Health First Aid
For adults who want to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in other adults.
Curriculum
Youth Mental Health First Aid
For adults who regularly support young people, including parents, teachers, coaches and youth workers.
Group Training
Bring Mental Health First Aid to your organization
Schools, churches, employers and civic organizations can arrange group training at their location or at our Roswell office. Group bookings generally begin at 6 participants.
Important
What this course does not do
Mental Health First Aid does not qualify participants to diagnose anyone, does not make participants counselors and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. It teaches recognition, early response and how to help connect someone with appropriate professional support.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Upcoming Sessions
Tell us which course you're interested in
Dates are scheduled around participant interest rather than fixed far in advance. Join the interest list for Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid and we'll contact you when the next appropriate session is scheduled.
Expressing interest does not commit you to a session or require payment.
Common Questions
Mental Health First Aid FAQ
Do I need a medical or counseling background to take Mental Health First Aid?+
No. The course assumes no prior training and is written for the general public.
How long is the Mental Health First Aid course?+
8 hours in total. That may be one full day, two half-days, or a blended format with about 2 hours of self-paced work beforehand and a shorter instructor-led session.
Does Mental Health First Aid certification expire?+
It is valid for 3 years. After that you can recertify through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Is there a version for people who work with teenagers?+
Yes. Alongside the adult course there is a Youth Mental Health First Aid course aimed at adults who support young people, plus several specialty versions for particular settings.
Will Mental Health First Aid teach me to treat someone?+
No, and it is not meant to. It teaches you how to respond in the first minutes and hours, and how to connect someone with the professional help they need.
How much does Mental Health First Aid cost?+
Call (770) 674-6311 and we will tell you the current fee. It is the same for the Adult and Youth curricula, and covers the full 8-hour course, your manual and the 3-year certification. Nothing is due when you sign up; payment comes once a date is confirmed.
Why are there no fixed Mental Health First Aid dates?+
Because the two curricula draw different people, and a date that suits a room full of teachers rarely suits a room full of employers. We collect who wants which course and when, then schedule against that. Everyone who signed up for that course hears first.
How far ahead do you schedule courses?+
About six months, which is the window on the signup form. If the month you need falls outside it, say so in the notes and we will work with it.
Can you run a Mental Health First Aid course for our organization?+
Yes, at your site or ours. The national program sets the minimum at 6 participants for a group booking. Below that, joining an open session is usually the faster route.
Natural Medical Solutions
Build confidence before a crisis happens
Contact our Roswell office to ask about upcoming Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid training.