Mental Health First Aid | Whatcom Community College

About

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary.

Mental Health First Aid (Youth)

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

There are three options for either Adult or Youth MHFA training:

Blended: Blended course options comprise of approximately two hours of self-paced online pre-work to be completed by each learner prior to the instructor-led session.

Blended In Person Option OR Blended Virtual Option (via Zoom)

Adult Blended instructor-led sessions take approximately six hours; Youth Blended instructor-led sessions take approximately 4.5 hours.

Full In Person Training: Learners will complete all work during an instructor-led session; Adult In-Person courses are approximately 8.5 hours of content, and Youth In-Person courses are approximately 6 hours of content. No pre-work in this option, all work is done with the instructor.

Those who successfully complete the full day are eligible for a Mental Health First Aid certificate issued by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The certificate remains valid for three years and is renewable online. All in person course are limited to maximum of 30 participants; all virtual courses are limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

Through grant funding from the Washington State Department of Health, AHECWW is currently able to offer the trainings free of charge through June 2025.

The class is great for people of all backgrounds. Students in allied health courses of study are encouraged to consider this training.

Continuing Education Credits

Participants who complete the MHFA course may be eligible to receive continuing education units (CEU) for Mental Health First Aid courses. After completion of a MHFA course, participants will receive a certificate of completion which they can submit to their board of choice.

AHECWW additionally provides CEU's with accreditation from the National Association of Social Work, WA Chapter for learners who request this for the Adult Mental Health First Aid courses.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Mental Health First Aid is a project of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Why mental health first aid? Mental Health First Aid was originally created in Australia in 2001 under the auspices of the University of Melbourne and is now international with programs in countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Canada, Finland and Singapore.

Through MHFA more than four million people in the U.S. have been trained to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing – a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. They promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care.

Upcoming Trainings

Current community course offerings:

Adult Blended online via Zoom: February 21, 9 am - 4:30 pm *for AHEC Scholars

Adult Blended in person: May 1, 9 am - 4:30 pm *for Animal Emergency Care Employees

Adult Blended online via Zoom: May 6, 9 am - 4:30 pm * Course Roster Full

Adult Blended online via Zoom: May 14 & 15, 9 am - 1 pm both days *for Whatcom Community College Employees

Community Courses are open to the public, first come, first served basis. Anyone who is 18 year of age or older who lives in Washington State is welcome to sign up.

Some courses are held for specific organizations or group.

*Blended Courses mean that there is 2 hours of pre-work to complete prior to the instructor lead session.

Contact

AHECWW offers Mental Health First Aid trainings for professionals and community members throughout western Washington.

Why Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to a potential mental health or substance use challenge.
The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool – it improves the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use challenges and connects people with care.
Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.