Mental Health First Aid Training
Evidence-based training that helps individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities respond to mental health and substance use concerns with clarity and care.
Mental health challenges are common, but we know that many people still feel unprepared to respond when someone needs help.
When someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, suicidal thoughts, or another mental health concern, the people around them often want to help, but may worry about saying the wrong thing, overstepping, or not knowing what to do next.
Mental Health First Aid gives participants a practical framework for recognizing concerns, responding supportively, and connecting people with help.
Just as CPR teaches people how to respond during a physical health emergency, our Mental Health First Aid certification trainings teach participants how to assist and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Why Mental Health First Aid Matters
Mental health conversations happen everywhere: In workplaces, schools, families, faith communities, neighborhoods, and everyday relationships.
But too often, people suffer in silence because those around them do not recognize the signs, feel unsure how to start a conversation, or do not know where to turn for help.
Our Mental Health First Aid trainings help change that.
This evidence-based, early-intervention training helps reduce fear and hesitation around mental health conversations and gives participants tools to offer stigma-free support.
Who Should Attend
Our training is designed for anyone who wants to feel more prepared to support others, including:
- Workplace leaders, managers, and HR professionals
- Educators and school staff
- Health care and public health professionals
- Faith and community leaders
- First responders and public safety professionals
- Parents, caregivers, and family members
- College and university staff
- Anyone who wants to be a better support to the people around them
No clinical background is required.
What You’ll Learn
During this training, participants learn how to:
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
- Respond supportively when someone may be in distress
- Start a conversation with someone they are concerned about
- Listen without judgment
- Offer reassurance and practical information
- Encourage appropriate professional help and other supports
- Respond when someone may be experiencing a crisis
What Makes This Training Different
Mental Health First Aid does not make you a therapist: it does not teach participants to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care.
Instead, it teaches something equally important: how to notice when someone may need support, how to respond in the moment, and how to connect them with appropriate help.
Participants leave with a practical action plan, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of how to support someone before a challenge becomes a crisis.
Ready to become Mental Health First Aid certified? We regularly host training sessions on McLean Hospital’s campus in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Register For an Upcoming Training
Bring Mental Health First Aid to Your Organization
Mental health support should not be limited to clinicians or crisis teams. Everyone has a role to play in creating safer, more compassionate communities.
Mental Health First Aid is especially valuable for organizations that want to:
- Build a more supportive workplace or campus culture
- Reduce stigma around mental health and substance use
- Help staff feel more confident responding to concerns
- Strengthen early intervention and referral pathways
- Show a meaningful commitment to employee, student, or community well-being
Ready to bring Mental Health First Aid training to your workplace, school, or community organization? Contact us to learn more about upcoming trainings and private group opportunities.
