First Aid = Emergency treatment administered to an injured or sick person before professional medical care is available.
- You may know CPR and/or the Heimlich Maneuver. It’s always a good idea to call 911.
Mental Health First Aid = Initial help given to a person showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental crisis (severe depression, psychosis, panic attack, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, etc.) until appropriate professional or other help, including peer and family support, can be engaged.
- ALGEE is a 5-step action plan taught in MHFA to help determine how to provide support with a mental health situation. Calling 988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), our local crisis line 1-800-499-1748, or 911 if someone is in immediate danger are always support options.
Can you administer First Aid in a mental health crisis?
Many people know that chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or arm pain may be signs that a person is experiencing a heart attack. Would you know the signs or symptoms of depression, anxiety, or an overdose? Have you known anyone who experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and if so, did you wish you were able to help?
Did You Know?
You are more likely to encounter a person in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Mental disorders are more common than heart disease and cancer combined.
► Adult MHFA
Why Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
- Teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
- Taught in highly interactive, evidence-based public education courses to small groups through in-person or blended formats.
Who Should Know Mental Health First Aid?
- Educators/School Administrators
- College/University Leaders
- Employers and Human Resources Professionals
- Members of Faith Communities
- Homeless Shelter Staff and Volunteers
- Healthcare Workers
- Police/First Responders/Security Personnel
- Policymakers
- Community Service Providers
- Consumers and Family Members
- Service Members/Veterans and Families
- Cosmetologists/Barbers/Estheticians
- Librarians
- Any Caring Adult
What it Covers:
- Early and worsening signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
- How to interact with a person in crisis.
- How to connect a person with help.
- Content on trauma and self-care.
Learn How to Respond with MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):
Myth or Fact
- Mental illness is something that only affects others and not us, our family, or friends. Myth
- An estimated 1 in 4 Americans have a diagnosable mental illness and occur frequently in your workplace, church, family, school, and community. Fact
- Mental illness has no real impact on society. Myth
- Mental illness accounts for 15% of the total economic burden of all disease in the U.S. Untreated mental disorders cost $79 billion in lost productivity every year. Fact
- Mental illness isn’t serious, people get over it. Myth
- Medical experts rate mental disorders among the most impactful illnesses. Mental illnesses interfere with a person’s ability
- to go to school, work, care for him/herself, and form relationships. Fact
►Youth MHFA
Why Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)?
- Teaches adults to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth (12-18).
- Taught in highly interactive, evidence-based public education courses to small groups through in-person or blended formats.
Who Should Know Youth Mental Health First Aid?
- Teachers
- School Staff
- Parents/Guardians
- Coaches
- Camp Counselors
- Youth Group Leaders
- Adults Who Work With Youth
- Any Caring Adult
What it Covers:
- Signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges among youth.
- How to interact with youth in crisis.
- How to connect youth with help.
- Trauma, self-care, social media and bullying.
Learn How to Respond with MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):
Myth or Fact:
- A child with a psychiatric disorder is damaged for life. Myth
- If a child’s struggles are recognized and treated, a potential for future happiness and fulfillment is possible with managing and overcoming symptoms. Fact
- A child’s psychiatric problems result from personal weakness or bad parenting. Myth
- It is an illness in which the child need tools to overcome with parents playing a central role by providing support and care for the child’s recovery. Fact
- Children grow out of mental health illnesses. Myth
- It is less likely for a child to “grow out” of psychiatric disorders than the child is to “grow into” more debilitating conditions if problems are left untreated. Fact
► teen MHFA
Why teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)?
- Teaches teens (14-18) to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among friends and peers.
- Taught in highly interactive, evidence-based public education courses to small groups through in-person or blended formats.
Who Should Know teen Mental Health First Aid?
- Camp Counselors
- Club Members
- Peer Mentors
- Sports Team Members
- Teens Who Work With Teens
- Youth Leaders
- Any Caring Teen
- *being implemented in pilot programs in area schools and youth organizations
What it Covers:
- Signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, including suicide.
- The related impacts of violence and bullying.
- How to open the conversation with friends.
- How to seek help from a trusted adult.
Learn How to Respond with tMHFA Action Plan (ROLE):
True or False:
- Asking someone about suicide will put the idea in their head. False
- A mental health crisis means that a person has a high chance of harming themselves or others. True
- Giving help online or via text is never a good idea. False
- Mental illnesses interfere with a person’s ability to go to school, care for him/herself, and form relationships. True
- Mental illness is something that only affects others and not us, our family, or friends. False
Meet Our Instructors
Melissa Lunsford
• MHFA Coordinator & Certified Instructor
• Adult Certified, August 2019
• Youth Certified, April 2021
• Teen Certified, November 2025
“Eleven days after taking MHFA in 2014, I was faced with needing the vocabulary I learned in class and the confidence to ask those difficult questions. I am a passionate advocate for bringing mental health awareness and education to the public and am blessed to be a part of this team who shares a dedication to community outreach.”
Kerri Spoon
• Certified Instructor
• Adult Certified
• Youth Certified, April 2021
• Teen Certified, November 2025
Clayton Bishop
• Certified Instructor
• Adult Certified, February 2023
• Youth Certified, February 2023
• Teen Certified, November 2025
“I enjoy bringing mental health awareness to our community partners to help them better respond to the needs of our population”
Brian Murrison
• Certified Instructor
• Teen Certified, November 2025
“My hope is that you walk away feeling more confident in your ability to be present and support someone that is struggling with mental health needs. It is not your words, but your presence, that will make the difference.”
Four County Mental Health Center’s certified instructors regularly offer MHFA, YMHFA and tMHFA courses to our communities.
- To get information about upcoming Adult MHFA or Youth MHFA courses use the “Contact Us” tab.
- Request private trainings on our website under the “Contact Us” tab.
- Trainings are taught in highly interactive, evidence-based public education courses to small groups through in-person or blended formats.
- Save lives and build stronger communities.