Adult Mental Health First Aid training

Mental Health First Aid logo

Mental Health First Aid for Adults is training that explores the risk factors and warning signs of mental health disorders, common concerns, and strategies for offering support. Participants will learn to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults 18 years and older, as well as how to offer help and guide a person towards appropriate care.

Training content and instructor certification provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Three million people across the country have taken Mental Health First Aid. Every 1 in 15 people should be certified to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Watch this short video on the importance of becoming 1 of 3 million.

Group training requests

Student organizations, departments, and other groups at the University can request a group training session. If you would like to request an 8-hour training for your department or group, please complete an outreach request.

Submit a group training request

Register for a session

Workshops are offered throughout the semester, with availability updated monthly. Registration is managed through Pack Life. Please note that you must log in to Pack Life with your NetID to view available sessions.

Register for a session

Training details

  • Who can attend: Trainings will be offered to all students, staff, and faculty of the University. Training sessions targeted for specific groups of the University community will be specified in the session's details.
  • Training format: The training will consist of a 2-hour self-paced module and a 6-hour in-person training.
  • Cost: There is no cost to attend the training.
  • Benefit: Once an attendee completes the training, they will obtain a certification in Adult Mental Health First Aid that is valid for 3 years.

Training content

The training is centered on responding with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan, ALGEE:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
  • Listen nonjudgmentally.
  • Give reassurance and information.
  • Encourage appropriate professional help.
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Why mental health matters in higher education

Statistics provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Demographics

40 percent of young adults aged 18-24 are enrolled in a two- or four-year educational institution.

Identification

75 percent of mental illnesses develop before age 25, making colleges ideal locations for early identification.

Suicide

In a 2015 study, 33.2 percent of students said they had seriously considered suicide.

Meet your instructors

Amy Koeckes, Center for Student Engagement Ana Vega, School of Medicine Ashley Darbey, Counseling Services Carla Franich, Counseling Services Jose Miguel Pulido Leon, The Multicultural Center Kara Cleveland, Graduate School Kara Spracklin, Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center Marquez Wilson, Counseling Services Ricky Salazar, Fraternity and Sorority Life Tanya Kelley, Undergraduate Research

150 members of our campus community have completed this training!