Certified Instructor-Led Training
Mental Health First Aid®
The Nationally Recognized Mental Health Training Course
8404 Coaching
Mental Health First Aid®
Practical Mental Health Skills for the People Who Serve
Mental Health First Aid® is a national certification course that teaches everyday people — first responders, healthcare teams, veterans, supervisors, families, and community members — how to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, offer initial support, and connect someone to the right help. Just as CPR prepares you for a physical emergency, MHFA prepares you to step in with confidence and care when someone is struggling.
About MHFA
Taught by C. Lloyd Buchanan (Coach) — a veteran, registered nurse, and certified MHFA instructor — this course pairs the official MHFA curriculum with real-world experience from military and healthcare service. You’ll practice a simple five-step action plan you can use at work, at home, or in the community.
Training Calendar
See every scheduled Mental Health First Aid® session — in person, virtual, and blended — alongside all 8404 Coaching workshops and events.
Bring MHFA to Your Team
Want a private session for your department, unit, agency, church, or nonprofit? We bring the training to you — on site or virtual — and schedule around shifts and operational demands.
Day of Training
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Step Action Plan
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Year Certification
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Open to Adults
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The ALGEE Action Plan
What You’ll Learn
Participants learn to spot early warning signs of depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use concerns — and how to respond in a crisis or non-crisis situation using five practical steps.
A
Approach & Assess
Approach the person, assess for risk of suicide or harm, and assist with any crisis.
L
Listen
Listen nonjudgmentally so the person feels heard and respected.
G
Give Support
Give reassurance, support, and accurate information.
E
Encourage Help
Encourage appropriate professional help when it’s needed.
E
Encourage Supports
Encourage self-help, peer, and other support strategies.
Ways to Train
Course Formats
Every format covers the same core curriculum and earns the same three-year certification.
In-Person
Single Day · Instructor-Led
A full day of interactive, hands-on learning in a classroom setting — ideal for teams who train together.
Virtual
Live Online · Instructor-Led
The full course delivered live over video, with discussion, scenarios, and role-play. Join from anywhere.
Blended
Self-Paced + Live Session
Complete about two hours of self-paced online learning first, then join a shorter instructor-led session.
Fire & EMSLaw EnforcementMilitary & VeteransHealthcare TeamsSupervisors & HRFaith & Community GroupsFamilies
Upcoming Opportunities
Find & Register for a Training
Public courses are posted on our calendar as they’re scheduled. Seats are limited — register early.
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Common Questions
MHFA FAQs
Anyone 18 or older who wants to be ready to help a coworker, friend, family member, or member of the public. It’s especially valuable for first responders, healthcare staff, supervisors, veterans, and people in caregiving or community roles. No prior mental health training is needed.
No. MHFA teaches you to recognize warning signs, offer initial support, and connect someone to professional help — much like CPR prepares you to act until EMS arrives. It does not teach diagnosis or treatment.
Participants who complete the full course earn a Mental Health First Aid® certification that is valid for three years.
The course discusses topics like suicide, trauma, and substance use. It’s taught with care, and you’re welcome to step out at any time. If anything brings up difficult feelings, the instructor can point you to support resources.
Yes. Private trainings can be scheduled on site or virtually for fire, EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare, faith, and nonprofit groups. Ask about audience-specific MHFA modules for public safety and military communities. Request a private training.
Choose a session in the Upcoming Trainings section above or on the Training Calendar and follow the registration link. If no dates fit your schedule, contact us and we’ll let you know when the next session opens.
Ready When It Matters
Be the person who knows what to do.
Mental Health First Aid® and MHFA® are registered trademarks of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Mental Health First Aid training is educational and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; veterans press 1), or call 911 in an emergency.
