{"id":11299,"date":"2025-08-06T15:26:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T20:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mentalhe180dev.wpenginepowered.com\/news\/how-to-become-a-mental-health-first-aider\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:47:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T16:47:34","slug":"how-to-become-a-mental-health-first-aider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/es\/news\/how-to-become-a-mental-health-first-aider\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become a Mental Health First Aider"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever noticed a friend or family member become more distant? Or leaning on alcohol to cope? While talking about mental health challenges has become more normalized, it can be hard to know what to do or say when a friend, family member or colleague seems to be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. How can you help them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health First Aid training<\/a><\/ins> gives you the skills and knowledge to help someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge or experiencing a crisis. You\u2019ll learn early intervention skills and apply them to real-life situations, so you can spot signs that someone might be struggling and get them the support they need. Your actions as a Mental Health First Aider help create a healthier, more supportive community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bfQu\u00e9 son los Primeros Auxilios en Salud Mental?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health First Aid is a course where you learn to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they connect with appropriate professional help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This evidence-based, early-intervention course uses community-specific scenarios, activities and videos to help you be prepared to provide support to those in need in your community. You\u2019ll learn the 5-step MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)<\/a>, which includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the person in need, and identifying appropriate professional help and other support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health First Aiders do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. You\u2019re the first line of support, lending a listening ear and helping people get to the professional help they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults can get certified to help other adults (Adult Mental Health First Aid) or youth (Youth Mental Health First Aid). teen Mental Health First Aid teaches young people in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) to connect their peers to a trusted adult when needed. There are also courses tailored to specific communities\u2019 needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n