About Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to help a loved one who may be struggling. Through this training, you’ll learn how to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges — and offer the first level of support.

We All Can Be Mental Health First Aiders

More than 4.5 million people across the United States have been trained in MHFA by a dedicated base of thousands of Instructors.

Mental Health First Aiders are neighbors, parents and friends. They’re teachers, first responders and veterans. They could be your coworker or your classmate. A First Aider can be anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.

Our training takes the fear and hesitation out of talking about mental health. We give people the tools to start these conversations, so more people can get stigma-free support. First Aiders are a vital link between those facing a mental health or substance use challenge and the help they need.

MHFA by the Numbers

Our goal is to train 1 out of every 15 Americans in MHFA, so that that everyone has a close friend they can turn to when they’re facing a mental health or substance use challenge. Check out the progress we’ve made so far!

See Our Impact

4.5M+

First Aiders trained in the U.S.

15K+

workplaces support their employees

90+

peer-reviewed studies on MHFA since 2013

30+

states have enacted policies and funding to prioritize MHFA

What Is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid is a nationally known program that has trained millions of people across the country. One by one, Mental Health First Aiders are making a difference.

Mental Health Training That’s Right for You

Do you want to know how to help a friend in crisis? Are you a CEO trying to improve morale and retention at your organization? Or a high school administrator hoping to help your students build a support system with each other? We have the right training for you.

For Individuals

If someone you know is struggling in silence, your words could be their lifeline. Learn to spot the signs and say what matters most.

Get Trained

For Organizations

Give your team the skills to support others with expert-led group mental health trainings. Build stronger support systems at work, at school or in your community.

Train Your Group

Our History

Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 by a wife and husband team — Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor. MHFA USA adapted the original program and brought it to the United States in 2008. Since then, our Instructors have trained over 4.5 million First Aiders from all 50 states and U.S. territories. MHFA International offers training in 29 countries around the world.

Research and Evidence Base

A growing body of mental health research studies shows the outcomes and benefits of Mental Health First Aid across the United States. It points to a powerful conclusion — early intervention works.

See the Studies