Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course designed to give community members key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.
The program expands mental health "literacy" and reduces the social distance created by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental illnesses. The standard course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines and adapted for the U.S. These guidelines were developed using consensus of mental health consumers and professionals.
The Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention staff of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board trains our County government workforce and community members in Mental Health First Aid. We focus on training community members and various community organizations.
Register for an MHFA course and learn more about the different versions of the program that our certified instructors teach throughout Fairfax County and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church:
Mental Health First Aid is intended for a variety of audiences: friends and family of individuals with mental illness or addiction, public safety, businesses and primary care workers, school and college leadership, faith communities, or anyone interested in learning more about mental illness and addiction. Not sure? Just ask us!
Yes, there is strong evidence of outcomes. Mental Health First Aid USA is listed in the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.
Visit the Mental Health First Aid USA website for more information.
You can take a one-day class (6.5 hours) or two-day class (3.5 hours both days). You'll need to attend the full training to receive the certification, which lasts three years.
A minimum of 25 participants is needed to schedule a customized class, with a maximum of 30 participants.
Trainees are taught how to apply a 5-step strategy in situations such as helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal, or assisting an individual who has overdosed. Mental Health First Aid training provides the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy rather than to just hear about it. This simple experience can make it easier to actually apply the knowledge in a real-life situation.
We schedule Older Adult trainings two times a year. You can also request a customized Older Adult class.
There is a $25 materials fee for these courses. Fairfax County government employees attend free of charge.
Pre- and post-work is required. For customized classes, you'll need to complete pre-work 72 hours before class; for open enrollment classes, you'll need to complete pre-work 24 hours before class.
Please email CSBMHFA@fairfaxcounty.gov.
You will need to fill out our MHFA Customized Request Form before scheduling a training date and receiving a confirmation email from the MHFA Coordinator.