Maybe you’ve noticed a friend, coworker, or loved one starting to pull away. Maybe they’re drinking more than usual, seem constantly exhausted, or just “not themselves.” You can tell something’s wrong, but you’re not sure what to say or how to help.
In recent years, conversations about mental health have become more open and accepted, which is a huge step forward. Yet, many of us still struggle with what to do when someone close to us is hurting. That’s where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can help.
Just like traditional first aid teaches you how to help someone in a physical emergency, Mental Health First Aid gives you the knowledge and confidence to support someone facing a mental health or substance use challenge before things reach a crisis point.
What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training program that teaches everyday people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use issues and how to respond appropriately.
During the course, you’ll learn how to provide initial support until professional help is available, whether that’s a counselor, doctor, or crisis resource. You’ll also practice real-life scenarios so you can confidently step in when someone you know needs help.
It’s not about becoming a therapist. It’s about learning how to listen, respond with compassion, and connect people to the right kind of help at the right time.
The 5-Step MHFA Action Plan: ALGEE
At the heart of the program is the MHFA Action Plan, often remembered with the acronym ALGEE:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm: Recognize when someone might be in immediate danger and take the right steps to ensure their safety.
- Listen nonjudgmentally: Learn to listen with empathy — not to fix, but to understand.
- Give reassurance and information: Offer hope and help them feel less alone by normalizing the idea of getting help.
- Encourage appropriate professional help: Know what local and national resources are available and how to guide someone toward them.
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Help them identify healthy coping strategies and supportive people in their lives.
This simple but powerful framework can make all the difference in helping someone move from crisis to connection.
Who Can Take the Course?
Mental Health First Aid is open to anyone with no healthcare background required. There are different types of MHFA courses tailored to specific age groups and communities, so the training feels relevant and realistic.
There are also specialized versions of the course that address unique challenges faced by different communities, including:
- Firefighters, public safety professionals, and EMS personnel
- Higher education staff and students
- Military members, veterans, and their families
- Older adults and caregivers
By the end, you’ll not only have a certificate. You’ll have the confidence to act when someone in your life needs support.
Four Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider
- Mental health challenges are common: One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health challenge in any given year. That means someone you know, such as a coworker, neighbor, or family member, is likely struggling right now.
- You can make a difference: People facing mental health or substance use issues often feel isolated. Simply knowing how to listen and connect them to help can be life-changing.
- You’ll be prepared for a crisis: When someone is in distress, it can be hard to know what to say or do. MHFA gives you a clear, practical framework so you can respond with calm and confidence.
- You care: Becoming a Mental Health First Aider isn’t just about learning skills; it’s about creating a more compassionate community. When people know they’re not alone, healing becomes possible.
Why It Matters
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, our work, and our physical well-being. Yet too often, stigma and fear of saying the wrong thing stop people from reaching out.
By becoming a Mental Health First Aider, you become part of a growing movement to change that. You help create a culture where asking for help is normal and offering support is second nature. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to start the conversation, and sometimes, that’s enough to make a life-saving difference.
Ready to Get Involved?
If you’ve ever wished you could do more when someone you care about is struggling, Mental Health First Aid is your opportunity. You’ll gain practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to support others — and maybe even yourself. You can search the internet for local MHFA courses near you. The more of us who are trained to help, the stronger and more compassionate our communities become.
