Mental Health First Aid

MHALA remains committed to providing Mental Health First Aid to better equip our community to help those in need. Trainings are currently being held virtually.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course that provides participants the skills needed to help someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide, and psychosis.

Just as CPR training helps a person with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA helps a person assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis until the person is connected with appropriate professional help.

The evidence supporting MHFA demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy by helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.

Participants learn a 5-step strategy that includes:

• Assessing risk
• Respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis
• Identifying appropriate professional help

Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build an understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families, and learn about evidence-based treatment and self-help strategies.

Virtual Training

MHALA provides Mental Health First Aid trainings in partnership with the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Fund for Charitable Contributions. The partnership allows MHALA to provide free trainings to registered attendees who work or live in the Long Beach area.

The virtual trainings are 6 hours, and attendees are required to complete a 2-hour, self-paced learning module online prior to attending the in-person portion of the training.

Trainings are scheduled throughout the year and will be held via Zoom.

Upon completion of the entire 8-hour course, participants receive a certificate from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.