Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)
Build skills. Make a difference.
LEARN. SUPPORT. EMPOWER.
WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID MATTERS?
About 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health crisis and approximately 48 million people in the U.S. live with a substance use disorder.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips you with the skills and confidence to recognize the signs and symptoms when someone is having a mental health or substance use challenge, and respond appropriately, creating a stronger, healthier community for all.
Evidenced-Based Training
Learn with a program grounded in research and proven to improve outcomes.
Nationally recognized curriculum
Proven, measurable impact
Taught by certified instructors
Inclusive & Supportive
Welcoming space for all backgrounds and experiences.
Safe and respectful environment
Designed for diverse communities
Everyone belongs
Stronger Communities
Your skills today can create a more compassionate tomorrow.
Empower others to get help
Reduce stigma and build empathy
Create lasting positive change
How it Works:
The Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is available in-person, blended or virtual formats for a total of 7.5 hours of training. Each training session can accommodate between 10-20 people, and can be completed in one-full day, or two-half days depending on training schedule. This training is not therapy or a therapy group, and we are not training people to become mental health providers. Instead, we are teaching individuals how to notice and provide initial support to someone having a mental health challenge, like the approach of First Aid/CPR training.
Training that Empowers you to Make a Difference!
In-Person Training:
7.5-hour instructor-led in-person training*
Completed in one or two-days
Blended Training:
2-hours of self-paced online work
5.5 hours of in-person instructor-led training*
Virtual Training:
2-hours of self-paced online work
5.5 hours of virtual instructor-led training*
*Note: These times do not include lunch or breaks and actual times may vary.
What You’ll Learn:
Risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and substance use.
A 5-Step Action Plan (ALGEE) to help someone
who is developing or experiencing a crisis.
Available evidence-based professional, peer and self-help resources.
Who Should Attend?
Managers & Supervisors
Human Resources
Program & Case Managers
Educators & Workforce Professionals
Administrative & Frontline Staff
Anyone 18 and over who wants to better support others
Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)
Build skills. Make a difference.
FAQ’s
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At least 18 years old.s here
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No, downloadable materials are available on the portal once registration is complete and you are officially enrolled in the course. If you would like hard copies of the materials, there will be an additional cost for each booklet.
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No, downloadable materials are available on the portal once registration is complete and you are officially enrolled in the course. If you would like hard copies of the materials, there will be an additional cost for each booklet.
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No, it doesn’t matter. The MHFA certificate is a universal certificate and is recognized nationally and internationally.
Full Payment is due at time of registration.
This course is valued at $170/person but is currently being offered for the discounted rate of $65/person for the month of October in recognition of 988 Day 2026 which raises awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Only for our first 5 participants, get additional $5 Off with Coupon Code: $5OFF.
Note: Payment is due upon registration and there are no refunds. If class is cancelled due to low enrollment, then payment will go to the next available class.
Contact Us
For additional information, upcoming dates or group sessions please contact Aleathia Adams or Dana Campbell at 202-626-0700 or mentalhealthfirstaid@ywcanca.org.