What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):

A ssess for risk of suicide or harm.

L isten nonjudgmentally.

G ive reassurance and information.

E ncourage appropriate professional help.

E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.

Register for a FREE Course | Three (3) Programs Offered

Earn Your Mental Health First Aid Certificate

Course Descriptions

Mental Health First Aid for Adults (For Adults)

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults age 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.
• In-person – Learners will receive their training as an 8-hour, Instructor-led, in-person course.
Date and Location Time

Saturday: February 24, 2024

Columbia Church of Christ 1449 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169

9am to 4pm
   
   
   

 

One black woman feeling depressed and sad

Youth Mental Health First Aid (For Adults)

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.

• In-person – Learners will receive their training as an 8-hour, Instructor-led, in-person course.

Date and Location Time
Thursday: March 14, 2024 | The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (CATS) Multi-Purpose Room | 916 Mount Vernon Church Road, Chapin, SC 29036

Thursday: 8am-4pm

   
   

*Training for Lexington/Richland District 5 Employees Only

Mental Health First Aid for Teens (For Teens Ages 15-18)*

Teen Mental Health First Aid (MFHA) teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers.
 • In-person – Lessons are conducted in person in six 45-minute sessions or three 90-minute sessions.
 • To register for a Teen Course, please contact us to schedule a training session at your school, church,  athletic program, or other teen organization.
Contact the Brookland Center at mentalhealth@brookland.cc to schedule a training date.

*If you are a teen interested in Mental Health First Aid Training, please have a parent/guardian or an adult at your school, church, etc., contact us directly.

Training site location will be BLEC or another local site that will be provided prior to training date.

Training Site Location and Contact Information:

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) 1218 Batchelor Street

West Columbia, S.C. 29169

Mr. Reginald Rearden, Project Coordinator

Office: (803) 744-1961 | Cell: (803) 351-2881

mentalhealth@brookland.cc rrearden@brookland.cc

Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Project Director

Office: (803) 744-1975 | Cell: (803) 747-3519

mentalhealth@brookland.cc crichburgcotton@brookland.cc

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