Mental Health First Aid
You know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, but how would you respond to a mental health crisis? What does depression look like? How should you respond to a mention of suicidal thoughts? How can you help someone having a panic attack?
Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour training course that explains how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or crisis. Mental Health First Aid trainees know how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use.
Mental Health First Aid teaches:
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns
- Information about depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use
- A five-step action plan to help someone with a mental health concern or in crisis
- Methods of finding and using evidence-based, professional, peer and self-help resources
Who Should Take the Course?
The course is useful to anyone who wants to help friends, family members, colleagues, or others in their community when a mental health concern arises. All of the following can benefit from Mental First Aid:
- College/university leaders
- Educators/school administrators
- Human resources professionals
- Nurses/physician assistants/primary care workers
- Public safety personnel
- Members of faith communities
- Social services staff and volunteers
- Substance use professionals
For more information and to schedule training, please contact Amanda Johnson at johnson.amanda@hfi-pgh.org or 412.766.9020 ext. 1046.
Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Learn more about this national movement to make Mental Health First Aid as common as CPR training. www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Licensed drug and alcohol program that provides primary substance abuse treatment, recovery, support and counseling services for children, adolescents and adults.
Family-Focused Solution Based Services
Provides intensive in-home mental health and support services to families, helping reduce the risk of psychiatric hospitalization or out-of-home placement.
Mental Health Counseling
This program is designed for children, adults and families who need assistance in improving their quality of life while continuing with their jobs, family life and education.
Home-based Family Recovery
An intensive and comprehensive in-home program for families that include a caregiving parent with recent or active substance use and a young child who is at risk of removed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
