Mental Health First Aid Training
Be prepared to support those around you by becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). This evidence-based training teaches you how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges, providing initial support until professional help is available.
Just as CPR helps in a medical emergency, Mental Health First Aid equips you with the skills to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with a substance use challenge. You’ll learn how to identify risk factors and warning signs, offer reassurance, and connect individuals to the resources they need.
Why Take Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health challenges affect millions of people, yet many don’t know how to offer help when someone is struggling. This course gives you the confidence and practical skills to step in, whether the situation is a crisis or a non-crisis concern.
By completing this course, you will:
- Learn the common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Understand how to interact with someone in distress.
- Gain strategies to provide initial support and connect individuals to professional help.
- Explore expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care.
- Practice using the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
Who Should Take This Course?
Mental Health First Aid is for anyone who wants to learn how to better support friends, family, colleagues, or members of the community. It’s especially valuable for:
- Employers & HR Professionals
- Police Officers & First Responders
- Teachers & School Staff
- Healthcare Workers & Caregivers
- Anyone who wants to make a difference
What You’ll Learn
Participants will be trained to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use concerns such as:
- Depression & Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Trauma & PTSD
- Psychosis
- Substance Use Disorders
You’ll also learn how to assist in crisis situations, including:
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Acute psychosis
- Overdose or withdrawal
- Reactions to traumatic events
📅 Upcoming Courses in Arizona for 2025
More than 4 million people in the U.S. have been trained in Mental Health First Aid. Take the next step and become part of the movement to create healthier, more supportive communities.
✔️ Virtual Course – Includes a self-paced module followed by an instructor-led session.
✔️ In-Person Course – Engaging, hands-on training offered at select locations.
June 17, 2025
In Person
8 AM – 5 PM MT
Location in Prescott, AZ TBD
Lunch and a welcome gift will be provided to all attendees.
August 21, 2025
In Person
8 AM – 5 PM MT
Arizona Department of Economic Security
1800 E. Palo Verde Street
Yuma, AZ 85365
Lunch and a welcome gift will be provided to all attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This course is open to everyone. There are no prerequisites, but the Blended Virtual course requires a one-hour self-paced module to be completed before the live session.
No. The training is provided at no cost to you. If you would like a printed manual, it is available for purchase at $18.95.
Yes. We ask that each participant register to ensure that the space can comfortably accommodate all attendees.
Yes. Upon completing your reservation, we will provide a confirmation email with directions and parking information.
Participants will be trained to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use concerns such as:
- Depression & Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Trauma & PTSD
- Psychosis
- Substance Use Disorders
You’ll also learn how to assist in crisis situations, including:
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Acute psychosis
- Overdose or withdrawal
- Reactions to traumatic events
Mental Health First Aid is built around a five-step action plan known as ALGEE, which provides a simple, effective way to support someone in distress.
A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
L – Listen nonjudgmentally.
G – Give reassurance and information.
E – Encourage appropriate professional help.
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Yes! We work with employers, businesses, non-profits, faith-based communities, neighborhood groups, government agencies, and many other types of organizations to bring this training to your location. Simply fill out this form and we will be in touch.
Absolutely. Many participants have personal experiences with mental health or substance use challenges. This training provides a safe and supportive environment to learn how to help others while also reinforcing self-care strategies.
Questions?
If you have questions or want to learn more, email info@arizonacoalition.org or call 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387).
About This Training
This training is offered by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families as part of the Be Connected program. The Arizona Coalition for Military Families is a nationally recognized public-private partnership focused on building Arizona’s statewide capacity to care for and support all service members, veterans, their families, and communities. Through Be Connected, we provide resources, support, and training to ensure Arizona’s military-affiliated community has access to the help they need. Mental Health First Aid is one of the many ways we empower individuals to make a difference.
