Mental Health First Aid - Adult (In Person Event, May 16, 2025)
Includes a Live In-Person Event on 08/27/2025 at 8:30 AM (EDT)
- Registration Closed
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Topics Covered
The MHFA course addresses a range of mental health conditions, including:
- Depression and Mood Disorders: Understanding the signs, symptoms, and interventions related to various mood disorders
- Anxiety Disorders: Recognizing different forms of anxiety and appropriate response strategies.
- Trauma: Identifying the impact of traumatic experiences and how to support affected individuals.
- Psychosis: Learning about conditions that affect perception and thinking, and ways to assist those experiencing such episodes.
- Substance Use Disorders: Understanding the complexities of addiction and methods to provide initial help.
The training underscores the concepts of recovery and resiliency, promoting the belief that individuals facing these challenges can improve and harness their strengths to maintain well-being.
The MHFA Action Plan
A core component of the MHFA training is the introduction of a structured action plan, known by the acronym ALGEE:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm: Evaluate the immediate safety concerns and look for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- Listen nonjudgmentally: Engage in active listening to help the individual feel respected and understood.
- Give reassurance and information: Provide factual information and affirm the person's feelings, emphasizing that help is available.
- Encourage appropriate professional help: Guide the individual toward seeking assistance from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors.
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Promote the use of self-care practices and support networks to aid in recovery.
Couse Outcomes
1. Understand the Role and Purpose of Mental Health First Aid
- Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid.
- Explain the role of the Mental Health First Aider, including principles of safety and privacy.
- Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid.
2. Recognize the Impact and Signs of Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
- Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of American adults.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Evaluate the impact of early intervention on outcomes.
3. Apply the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) Across Scenarios
- Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
- Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to non-crisis scenarios (early signs and worsening signs).
- Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to crisis scenarios involving mental health or substance use.
4. Promote Recovery and Reduce Stigma
- Explain that recovery from mental health or substance use challenges is possible.
- Support hope and connection through compassionate intervention and understanding.
Practical Application
MHFA training incorporates practical exercises, including role-plays and scenarios, to help participants apply the action plan effectively.
In summary, Mental Health First Aid provides essential training for individuals to support those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, emphasizing early intervention, practical response strategies, and the promotion of recovery and resilience.
Judith LeDoux
Anna Maria College
Ms. LeDoux has been certified as a paramedic for almost two decades. She oversees all operational and logistical concerns for the DOJ MHFA project at Anna Maria College. She is certified as an Adult MHFA instructor with Fire/EMS community-specific interests.
John Pratico (Moderator)
Associate Professor of Psychology
Anna Maria College
Education:
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Counseling Psychology, Leslie University
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Anna Maria College
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, College of the Holy Cross
Biography:
Dr. John Pratico is the Director of Psychology at Anna Maria College. He began teaching at the College in the Spring 2014 semester as an adjunct faculty member. Dr. Pratico also taught for Fitchburg State University in the Psychological Sciences department. He has taught in Counselor Education programs for over a decade and supervised hundreds of pre-licensure behavioral health students. He has worked with children, adolescents and adults in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and private practice settings across the Commonwealth. Dr. Pratico is a clinical psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and has served in higher education for over a decade.
Disclosures: None.
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