Let's make Mental Health First Aid training as common in our society as CPR training!
Sponsored by the National Office of Behavioral Health and SAMSHA, and fully adapted for online participation during the pandemic, MHFA provides participants hands-on practice utilizing concepts discussed in the training. Training sessions are interactive, and include group learning activities, situational case studies, and engaging discussions. Participants who complete a full MHFA course will be certified and confident: ready to “say something” when they “see something.”
Our Youth Mental Health First Aid program is designed to help adults identify, react to and support children (typically ages 8-18) experiencing mental health or addiction issues, or who are in active crisis. The course enables learners to determine the difference between “normal” adolescent behavior and what might be common mental health challenges. It also teaches participants a 5-step action plan on how to intervene. Topics covered in the course include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, disorders inclusive of psychosis indicators, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders. Note that CIS of Chicago also offers a variation of the course intended to recognize and respond to mental health crises in adults.
Communities In Schools of Chicago’s Mental Health First Aid certification trainings are supported through a generous Innovation Grant from the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation and are open to school staff, parents, adult family members, and community members interested in becoming MHFA certified. By offering the course to a wide array of caring adults, CIS of Chicago aims to create a comprehensive and holistic “safety net” around the lives of children and vulnerable adults who often don’t have the resources necessary to protect themselves from harm stemming from mental health challenges.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Spring Training Dates
- Tuesday, February 7, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – virtual
- Saturday, March 1, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – in person
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – virtual
- Friday, March 14, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – in person
- Saturday, April 12, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – in person
Trainings are offered either in person, at CIS of Chicago headquarters (located at 815 W. Van Buren Street, Chicago IL, 60607) or virtually, on Zoom. All trainings cost $15 per participant. Register for a training through the form below.
Interested in requesting a separate Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid training dates for your school, company, or organization? Email us at [email protected].
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Feedback from Youth Mental Health First Aid Participants
“The course provided me with a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. I found it to be an exceptionally beneficial and informative learning experience.”
“I found every aspect of the training very helpful.”
