Adult Mental Health First Aid Training | A&V Academy

Adult Mental Health First Aid

Be prepared when someone needs support.

Learn how to recognize, respond to and support an adult experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, and how to connect them with the right help.

  • AudienceAdults 18+
  • Length7.5 hours
  • FormatVirtual or in-person
  • Certification3 years
Two adults in a calm conversation over coffee in a community space

Would You Know What to Do?

Mental health and substance use challenges show up in our families, workplaces and communities every day. Most people want to help when someone is struggling, but many don't know what to say or where to start.

Adult Mental Health First Aid gives you a practical, step-by-step framework to notice the signs, start the conversation and connect someone to support, before a situation becomes a crisis.

40%

of adults say they don't know how to help a loved one with their mental health.

Source: Mental Health First Aid USA

What You'll Learn

  • Recognize

    Spot the signs of common challenges, including anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance use.

  • Respond

    Use the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to approach and help someone in crisis and non-crisis situations.

  • Support

    Listen without judgment and offer reassurance and accurate information.

  • Connect

    Guide people toward professional, peer and self-help resources in their community.

  • Build Confidence

    Practice real-world scenarios so you're ready to act when it matters most.

An instructor leading a small group of adults during an in-person training

Who Should Attend?

Adult MHFA is for anyone who wants to be ready to help another adult. No clinical background is needed.

  • Community members and neighbors
  • Parents, families and caregivers
  • Faith and community leaders
  • Educators and school staff
  • Managers and HR professionals
  • First responders and public safety
  • Health and social service workers
  • Coaches and program volunteers
  • Anyone who wants to help

Training & Certification

A live, instructor-led course that ends with official Mental Health First Aid certification.

  • Who it's forAdults learning to help other adults (18+)
  • Length7.5 hours of training
  • FormatVirtual or in-person
  • InstructionLive with a certified MHFA instructor
  • PreworkAbout 2 hours self-paced, if applicable
  • CertificationOfficial MHFA certification, valid 3 years

Topics include anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance use.

Bring Adult MHFA to Your Organization

Private Organizational Training

Scheduled around your team

Bring Adult MHFA to your workplace, congregation or community group, on the dates that work for you.

Request Private Training
  • Private session just for your group
  • Virtual or on-site delivery
  • Live, instructor-led session
  • Official 3-year MHFA certification
  • Organizational pricing

Why Train with A&V?

  • Founded by two registered nurses

  • Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors

  • Practical, engaging instruction

  • Real-world application

  • Virtual or on-site training for your team

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Adult Mental Health First Aid for?
Anyone who wants to learn how to help an adult (18+) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. No clinical or health care background is needed.
How long is the training?
The course is 7.5 hours. In the blended format, that includes about 2 hours of self-paced prework followed by a live, instructor-led session.
Is this therapy or clinical training?
No. Mental Health First Aid teaches you to offer initial help and connect someone to appropriate care. It does not train you to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
What topics are covered?
Signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance use, how to respond in crisis and non-crisis situations, and the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
Will I receive a certification?
Yes. Participants who complete all course requirements receive official Mental Health First Aid certification, valid for three years.
Is the training virtual or in person?
Both options are available. Private organizational trainings can be delivered virtually or on-site.
Can my organization schedule a private training?
Yes. Request private training and we'll follow up with options, scheduling and pricing.

Be Ready to Recognize. Respond. Connect.

Gain the skills and confidence to support the people around you when it matters most.