About Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First-Aid (MHFA) introduces participants to identify common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use-related challenges, builds understanding on their impact and provides an overview of common supports. This eight-hour course utilizes role play, scenarios, and activities to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect persons to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care.

MHFA takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

  • Training is intended for all employees of your organization who wish to learn and support mental health well-being efforts.
  • Wellness Council of Indiana staff members are trained as Mental Health First Aid instructors to provide quality and timely training to your organization.
  • You only need to attend one eight-hour training to become a certified Mental Health First Aider, a certification that lasts for three years.

Check out our Mental Health First Aid Flyer for additional course details and how the training can benefit your organization.

Contact Olivia Lockard, Program Manager at Olivia@wellnessindiana.org for more information.

Upcoming 2024 Trainings

March 19th, 2024 (Virtual Training) REGISTRATION CLOSED

April 29th, 2024 (In- Person Training-prior to Indiana Chamber HR Conference)

July 16th, 2024 (In-Person Training)

September 11th, 2024 (In-Person Training-prior to Annual Wellness Summit)

November 12th, 2024 (Virtual Training)

*Virtual and in-person trainings have limited capacity and require a two-hour pre-work module that must be completed to attend the live session.

*Registration discount provided to WCI member organizations, email Olivia@wellnessindiana.org for discount code. 

We also offer on-site Mental Health First Aid training to WCI member and WCI non-member organizations. A WCI staff member certified in Mental Health First Aid instruction will come on-site to facilitate training to employees.

If interested, Indiana organizations are invited to read through and complete the On-Site Mental Health First Aid Request form.

If your company is interested in becoming a WCI member, you can learn more here or complete a member application form.

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies