Mental Health First Aid
Sign Up for Cost-Covered Classes This Spring
Did you know that you are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional crisis than someone having a heart attack? Learn how to help when it counts - Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to help when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. Join the more than 2,000 people across Denver who have already become certified Mental Health First Aiders through WellPower.
Just as CPR prepares people to act in medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches life‑saving skills to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Classes are designed for the general public - no previous mental health experience needed.
This spring, in partnership with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC), we're offering six cost-covered Mental Health First Aid classes (that means no cost to you!) for Adults Assisting Adults and Adults Assisting Youth.
What will you learn?
- How to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis.
- Tools you can use to help people in the moment.
- Local resources and where to turn for further help.
How to Help Adults
How to Help Youth
What to Expect
What happens in a Mental Health First Aid class?
Mental Health First Aid is an interactive one-day course that presents an overview of mental health challenges and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common treatments. Those who take the course to certify as Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care.
Mental Health First Aid can be taught in person or online, with hours varying by mode of instruction. Reach out to WellPower's Mental Health First Aid Coordinator at mentalhealthfirstaid@wellpower.org to learn more.
Ongoing Community Classes in Colorado
Community classes through Mental Health First Aid are pre-scheduled and open to the community, meaning anyone can sign up as long as spots remain. These classes are offered through WellPower, as well as other organizations throughout Colorado, and can take place either in person or online.
Mental Health First Aid community classes are great for individuals and small groups, with a multitude of date options. Classes are low-cost to attend and participants receive materials that they can take home at the end of the class.
There are two different types of community classes offered: Adults Assisting Adults and Adults Assisting Youth. Both courses offer the same foundational concepts, and they also each offer specific material based on the age ranges that participants are supporting.
Mental Health First Aiders can also take both classes to become certified in Adult and Youth.
Spotted: Algee the Koala
Meet Algee, our Mental Health First Aid mascot! He's excited you're considering a Mental Health First Aid class. Here are some fun facts about our furry friend:
- His name is an acronym for the 5-step action plan you'll learn during a class (but you have to actually sign up to learn more!)
- Mental Health First Aid started in Australia and has spread to over 25 countries worldwide. Our koala buddy is a tribute to the course's beginning.
Request a Private Class for Your Workplace or Group
Whether it's building mental health knowledge in the workplace or trying to improve your community, Mental Health First Aid is a great way to help your staff or group learn valuable skills together. WellPower offers private classes, either in person or online, for 5 to 30 participants.
To learn more about how we can work with your organization or group or ask questions, we invite you to get in touch by emailing mentalhealthfirstaid@wellpower.org. If you're ready to request a private class, you can also fill out the form below.
Join the Conversation
Mental Health First Aid classes are open to anyone. If you have already been trained, join the conversation.
The National Council for Behavioral Health is trying to make Mental Health First Aid as familiar as CPR. Read about it in a story from The Washington Post.