Program Overview
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a universal, evidence-based program that teaches the general public how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The goal of implementing the MHFA program is to provide members of the community with the tools needed to respond to signs of mental health challenges or crisis. This 6-hour education program is available in virtual or in-person format, depending on location.
ROPTA offers the following Mental Health First Aid programs at no cost:
- Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
- Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults
- Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities
- Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training
Are you a trained Mental Health First Aid instructor looking to teach more classes? Become a volunteer instructor with ROPTA! Complete this form.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
What You Will Learn
with Mental Health First Aid
- Identifying signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use disorders
- Information on depression anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders
- A 5-step action plan to help someone who is in crisis or developing a mental health problem
- Where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help resources
ALGEE ACTION PLAN
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
- Encourage appropriate professional help
WHO WE REACH
- Community-serving organizations
- School personnel and educators
- Agriculture professionals
- Community health professionals
- Community leader and/or volunteers
- General public
TIME COMMITMENT
Two-hour independent online learning followed by a six-hour live instruction workshop.
INTERESTED?
Fill out this interest form or look for upcoming trainings on our calendar.
Program Overview
MarylandROPTA also provides Youth Mental Health First Aid, a universal, evidence-based course for adults who work with youth. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches the public how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and/or substance use disorders in youth. The goal of implementing the YMHFA program is to provide members of the community with the tools to help young people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. This 6-hour education program covers the most common mental health challenges and substance use disorders in the lens of youth and adolescent populations, and is available in virtual or in-person format, depending on location. Submit a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training request here.
What You Will Learn
- Signs and symptoms of substance use
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems
- Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders
- A 5-step action plan to help young people developing a mental health problem or in crisis
- Where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help
ALGEE ACTION PLAN
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
- Encourage appropriate professional help
WHO WE REACH
- Community health professionals working with youth
- Community leaders and/or volunteers working with youth
- Teachers and parents
- Youth-serving organizations
- 4-H Volunteers
TIME COMMITMENT
2-hour independent online learning followed by a 6-hour live instruction workshop.
INTERESTED?
Complete this interest form, or look for upcoming trainings on our calendar.
Program Overview
Mental Health First Aid instructors are on the frontlines of the program and train people in their communities in Mental Health First Aid. The 3-day virtual instructor training familiarizes future instructors with the Mental Health First Aid course and provides in-depth instruction on facilitating the curriculum. The training includes a written exam and evaluates each candidate’s ability to present the Mental Health First Aid course to a variety of audiences. You can become certified to teach the adult or youth curriculum, or both. Certified instructors are required to teach the course at least three times per year.
ROPTA can cover the cost of a limited number of MHFA instructor certifications twice a year. Please email marylandropta@umd.edu if you are interested in becoming a MHFA instructor.
Are you a trained Mental Health First Aid instructor looking to teach more MHFA classes? Become a volunteer instructor with ROPTA by completing this form.
COURSE BENEFITS
- Bring your community together
- Reduce negative attitudes about mental illnesses
- Build mental health literacy
- Show others how they can help
WHO WE REACH
- Parents
- Community Members
- Teachers, Educators, & School Staff
- Community-Based Workers
TIME COMMITMENT
6 to 8 hours of pre-work, 3-day virtual training, and 2 hours of post-work.
INTERESTED?
Contact us at MarylandROPTA@umd.edu.