Mental Health First Aid Course
Most people know what to do when someone experiences a physical injury. We learn first aid, CPR, and other emergency resources. But when someone is struggling with their mental health, many of us aren’t sure what to say or how to help.
As mental health challenges continue to affect individuals, families, workplaces, and communities across the country, the need for informed and compassionate support has never been greater.
While professional care plays a critical role, friends, family members, coworkers, educators, and community members are often the first to notice when something may be wrong.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use challenge and how to respond appropriately.
Like physical first aid, it’s not about diagnosing or treating a condition. It’s about knowing how to provide initial support and connect someone with the help they need.
Program Snapshot
- Location: In person (Winona, MN) or online
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: $25-195
Why Study Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and knowing what to do can make a meaningful difference.
Mental Health First Aid helps you better understand not only mental health and substance use but also how to respond when someone may need support.
Throughout the course, you’ll participate in:
- 2 hours of online, self-paced work to build a foundation before your instructor-led session.
- 6 hours of instructor-led training, offered either online or in person (you choose).
When you complete this course, you’ll gain certification as a Mental Health First Aider through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one, working with the public, leading a team, or simply looking to make a positive impact in your community, this course will help you feel more prepared to respond when it matters most.
What Will You Learn?
In this course, you’ll learn how to recognize when something may be wrong, know how to respond, and help connect someone with the support they need.
You’ll also:
- explain the role of a Mental Health First Aider and how Mental Health First Aid can help.
- better understand the prevalence and impact of mental health challenges in the nation.
- recognize warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with common mental health and substance use problems.
- use the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan to respond when someone may be struggling.
- understand how Mental Health First Aid fits alongside professional, community, and other forms of support.
- Please note that Mental Health First Aid is not about diagnosing or treating someone.
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who wants to feel more prepared to support the people around them, including:
- parents and family members
- educators and school staff
- healthcare and social service professionals
- employers, supervisors, and coworkers
- college and university staff
- community and non-profit professionals
- volunteers and community members
No previous experience with mental health or health care is required.
Whether you’re supporting someone at work, at home, in a classroom, or in your community, you’ll gain greater confidence in responding to mental health challenges.
Enroll in This Course
Ready to learn how to create stronger and healthier communities? Enroll in one of our upcoming cohorts:
Online
The 6-hour instructor-led portion of this class is held online on Oct. 9 from 9am-3:30pm.
2 hours of online, self-paced work is due before the live instruction.
Register by Sept. 25.
Enroll in the Online Cohort NowHybrid
The 6-hour instructor-led portion of this class is held in person on Nov. 4 from 9am-3:30pm at the WSU Krueger Library 107.
2 hours of online, self-paced work is due before the live instruction.
Register by Oct. 22.
Enroll in the Online Cohort Now