Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.
Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved.
Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan to recognize warning signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, provide help in crisis and non-crisis situations and understand where to turn for additional assistance.
The 5-step Action Plan (ALGEE) is: Assess for risk of suicide or harm; listen nonjudgmentally; give reassurance and information; encourage appropriate professional help; and encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Through MHFA, more than 3 million people in the U.S. have been trained by thousands of certified Instructors to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Peer-reviewed studies have proven that trained Mental Health First Aiders are more knowledgeable and confident when it comes to identifying and helping an individual in distress.
Many people know to call 911 or administer CPR for a physical health emergency but hesitate to start conversations about mental health and substance use. MHFA provides the tools a layperson needs to take action.
Studies show that MHFA training reduces stigma, improves knowledge and increases first aid actions toward people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
MHFA is proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Peer-reviewed studies from around the world show that individuals trained in MHFA:
Our training course requires a fee of $35 to cover materials.
Friday, June 26, 2026 – VIRTUAL
Friday, July 24, 2026 – at Catholic Charities Tulsa campus
Friday, September 18, 2026 – VIRTUAL
Because space is limited, advance registration is required.
If you have already registered and only need to pay, please use this form.
