Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of

mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. This 8-hour course uses

role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect persons to

the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors

and warning signs of specific types of illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating

disorders, and schizophrenia.

Mental Health First Aid is included on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National

Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs

and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis:

 Assess for risk of suicide or harm

 Listen nonjudgmentally

 Give reassurance and information

 Encourage appropriate professional help

 Encourage self-help and other support strategies

The National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri

Department of Mental Health coordinate Mental Health First Aid USA.

COURSES AVAILABLE, CALL AND SIGN UP TODAY

Dr. Sarita Graham

816.561.0035