Be the Difference.
Support those who are in crisis or in need of help.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Purdue Extension has delivered over 100 Mental Health First Aid courses since 2018,
training more than 1,500 individuals.
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program to educate individuals about how to interact with and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue or a crisis.
Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid helps participants feel confident providing assistance and support to someone in distress.
Purdue Extension's Mental Health First Aid instructors are certified
Purdue Extension can bring this often life-saving course to your community, organization, or business. No prior training is required to participate.
Find A Course
Adult Mental Health First Aid
Purdue Extension offers Adult Mental Health First Aid courses in person at various Indiana counties, as well as virtual courses through Zoom. Please review the list of currently scheduled courses available for signup, and check back often to see new offerings. Registration is required to attend.
To inquire about hosting a course in your area, please Contact Us.
Trains adults who want to help other adults
- Introduces common mental health challenges and contexts
- Reviews safe action planning steps
- Covered topics include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidality
- Substance use
- Psychosis
- Trauma
- Self-care
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Purdue Extension also offers Youth Mental Health First Aid courses.
Please direct all inquiries about Youth MHFA to Angie Frost at alfrost@purdue.edu.
- Trains ADULTS who interact with elementary through high school aged youth
- Introduces common mental health challenges for young people
- Reviews safe action planning steps
- Covered topics include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use
- Psychosis
- Trauma and Resilience
- Self-care
What Do I Learn?
Mental Health First Aid helps participants:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of several mental health issues
- Gain new perspectives about the stigma surrounding mental health struggles
- Learn how to start conversations with those at risk and to encourage them to seek help
- Understand how to connect someone with appropriate professional and community resources
- Identify adaptive coping strategies and establish a self-care action plan
For more information about Mental Health First Aid, visit: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Who Should Attend?
Mental Health First Aid is open to any adult who is interested to learn. No prior training or specific education is needed, and all experiences are welcome. Frequent attendees have included concerned family members and friends, faith-based leaders, farmers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, school personnel, and veterinary providers.
Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
Mental Health First Aid can offer contact continuing education hours for certain professionals. Purdue University is an approved provider of Category 1 Continuing Education for all of the following pursuant to Indiana Code 25-1-4-0.2:
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- Mental Health Counselors and Associates
- Marriage and Family Therapists and Associates
- Social Workers, Clinical Social Workers and Associates
- Addiction Counselors, Clinical Addiction Counselors and Associates
All participants receive a certificate upon completion of the full course.
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Meet Our Instructors
ADULT MHFA INSTRUCTOR TEAM
Purdue Extension's Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors are based throughout Indiana and
can teach courses in-person or virtually.
Our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds, including different Purdue Extension program areas.
Please reach out to any of our Adult MHFA instructors with questions regarding program options.
YOUTH MHFA INSTRUCTOR TEAM
Please reach out to Angie Frost at alfrost@purdue.edu to connect with the Youth MHFA Instructor Team.