Mental Health First Aid

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Mental Health First Aid is a FREE eight-hour course that teaches participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

This training helps attendees identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Currently, there are two specific trainings offered – one that focuses on mental health issues in adults, and a second training that addresses mental health issues experienced by youth. Both of these trainings are provided routinely in the New River Valley.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.

Topics covered include:
• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Trauma
• Psychosis
• Substance use disorders

Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

Mental Health First Aid trainings are currently being provided virtually, unless otherwise noted. A schedule of upcoming trainings is provided below.

IMPORTANT: Unless otherwise noted, all courses are being delivered in-person. The exact location for each of the trainings listed below can be found in the description segment of the registration form for that particular training date.

Upcoming training dates:

YOUTH Mental Health First Aid
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 (Click here to register)

ADULT Mental Health First Aid:
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 (FULL)
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 (Click here to register)

If you have a group of 10 or more and would like to schedule a class (either virtually or in person), please contact Caroline Mullins csmullins@nrvcs.org to do so.

For more information on Mental Health First Aid, click here.