Mental Health First Aid

A five-step action plan to offer initial help to anyone showing signs of mental health distress.

  • Would you know how to respond if someone confided in you that they were living with a mental health condition?  
  • Do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental illness?
  • Perhaps they are having an episode of depression or in the midst of a panic attack?
  • Would you know how to guide or support your loved one or friend if he or she was heavily misusing substances?
  • Do you have the tools to assist yourself or someone in need?

Individuals trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) grow their knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of behavioral and mental health conditions and addictions. Peer-reviewed studies show that the program reduces the social distance created by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental illnesses.

We envision a community in which MHFA is as common as CPR. Just as CPR training helps a person with no clinical training assist an individual following a heart attack, MHFA training allows helping someone experiencing a mental health crisis such as contemplating suicide. In both situations, the goal is to support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives.

Sign up for MHFA training today. Upon completion of the training, participants receive a certificate valid for three years. 

Adult   Youth   Teen

What you will learn:
  • Grow your knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health conditions and addictions.
  • Identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health condition or addiction.
  • Increase your confidence and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
  • Show increased mental wellness yourself.

Common Questions about Mental Health First Aid

What types of topics are covered?
Where did MHFA start?
Is there evidence to support the effectiveness of the program?

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Get in Touch

Please reach out to us directly for questions or to arrange a training. Due to the pandemic, MHFA trainings will be conducted online.

Become A Partner for Community Mental Health Training

Join these organizations: Chabad of the Woodlands, Chabad of Uptown, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom-Woodlands, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Congregation Brith Shalom, Congregation Emanu El, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, Jewish Houston Young Professionals Experience, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, National Council of Jewish Women, The Shlenker School, The Shul of Bellaire, Torah Day School, West Houston Jewish Community Center.
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