Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Why Study Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at LSC?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Mental Health First Aiders are…

Teachers, first responders and veterans. They’re neighbors, parents, and friends. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier, and safer for all.

What’s covered:

• Mental health risk factors and warning signs
• Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use
• A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health concern or in crisis
• How to interact with a person in crisis and connect them with appropriate professional help

Plus, you get the opportunity to practice your new MHFA skills — through role playing, scenarios, and activities — making it easier to apply these skills in real-life situations.

Learners complete a two-hour, self-paced online course and then participate in a six-hour skills-based instructor-led session via Zoom (with cameras on). A certificate of completion will be provided for those who attend the entire class session. Attendees may use the certificate of attendance to apply for CEUs. This activity has been designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing continuing education requirements. However, the nurse is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.

Participants must be 18 years or older per Mental Health First Aid guidelines.