Mental Health First Aid Training

This evidence-based training course is designed to help you:

• Address common mental health concerns encountered in your professional or volunteer work.
• Break the stigma around mental illness and substance use.
• Recognize early signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges.
• Offer appropriate support, including self-help strategies for maintaining mental wellness.

Through MHFA, you’ll gain practical tools and knowledge, including:

• Risk factors and warning signs of mental health conditions.
• Key information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction.
• A 5-step action plan to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Guidance on accessing professional, peer, and self-help resources.

“As a mental health first aider, I've been able to apply the skills acquired in the training to effectively support individuals facing mental health challenges. This knowledge has empowered me to navigate conversations, offer assistance, and connect people with the right resources in our community, making a meaningful impact in their well-being. The training has proven to be a crucial asset in fostering a supportive and informed environment.” – MHFA Participant 

• Adult Mental Health First Aid
  (For adults helping other adults)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
  (For adults supporting adolescents ages 12–18)
• Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental de Adultos
  (Offered in Spanish for adults supporting other adults in Spanish-speaking communities)

Thanks to funding from SAMHSA and CFTB, this training is offered free of charge to public service professionals, volunteers, or college students in:

• K-12 schools and higher education institutions (including SPC staff, faculty and students)
• Emergency response organizations (e.g., first responders)
• Health care providers
• Veterans’ organizations
• Faith-based groups
• Nonprofits

Participants must reside in or serve one of the following counties:

• Pinellas
• Hillsborough
• Pasco
• Hernando
• Citrus

Note: Volunteer eligibility requires organizational confirmation.

Total Time: 9 Hours

• 2-hour self-paced pre-read: Must be completed online no later than 7 days before the live class.
• 7-hour live session: Delivered either in-person or virtually, with class sizes of 10–30 participants.

1. Email your responses to the above questions and receive the registration steps upon qualifying.
2. Once registered, 2–3 weeks before your training date, you’ll receive access to the pre-read materials from randmccann.michelle@spcollege.edu.
3. Complete the pre-read at least 7 days prior to your live training date.
4. Attend the live training session and complete post-surveys.
5. Earn your official Mental Health First Aid Certification!

Do you have a team of 15 or more staff, volunteers, or partners?
We offer private training sessions for your organization!

“My staff and I interact with a lot of individuals in a mental health crisis. All of my staff are now better prepared to face and manage these situations in a healthy way.” – Tampa Bay Area Nonprofit Organization.

Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Michelle Rand-McCann to learn more:
randmccann.michelle@spcollege.edu

I regularly put my training with mental health first aid and de-escalation into practice. I've successfully assisted many people, including my own family members, with mental health concerns as well as mental health emergencies. 

I was better prepared for interactions I had during hurricane preparation and hurricane recovery with those we serve. 

I received a call from an active duty service member that was struggling with being away from home, lonely, [and having] issues with peers. Listened to her and was able to get her the help she needs. She is actively receiving therapy now.