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Research and Evidence Base

Mental Health First Aid is an international education program proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Peer-reviewed studies have been conducted around the world and show that individuals trained in the program:

  • Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.
  • Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge.
  • Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
  • Show increased mental wellness themselves.

For more information or to share your research with us, please email hello@MentalHealthFirstAid.org.

Mental Health First Aid Research Advisors

Mental Health First Aid USA introduced MHFA Research Advisors in 2021. This advisory group consists of respected mental health research experts who advise and assist Mental Health First Aid USA on ongoing research and future opportunities related to individual programs, including Youth MHFA, teen MHFA, MHFA at Work, and MHFA modules (Veterans, Higher Education, Public Safety, Fire and EMS, and Rural Communities.) This group demonstrates an active commitment to mental health equity through their research and community impact.

Learn more about the members of the MHFA Research Advisors.

Dr. David Albright, PhD, MSW

University of Alabama

Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP

University of Michigan

Dr. Bruno Anthony, PhD

University of Colorado, School of Medicine

Dr. Madelyn Gould, PhD, MPH

Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Dr. Kimberely Gryglewicz, PhD, MSW

University of Central Florida

Dr. Othelia E. Lee, PhD

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Dr. Olga Price, PhD

George Washington University

Dr. Pamela Valera, PhD, MSW

Rutgers University School of Public Health

Dr. Cixin Wang, PhD

University of Maryland – College Park

Dr. Amy C. Watson, PhD

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Dr. Holly Wilcox, PhD

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Education
  • In July 2015, I had the opportunity to take a Mental Health First Aid course at WestCare Nevada. Little did I know that just a few days later I would be using the information and techniques I had learned in the class in a real life situation.” –Rick Denton
  • Hilda Marie’s worst nightmare was unfolding right before her eyes. Teetering at the edge of the platform was a woman poised to jump in front of an oncoming train. What would you do? For Hilda, there was no question. She turned to the skills she learned in the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid class she completed. ” –Hilda Marie
  • I recently got dispatched on a psychiatric call...because I took the Mental Health First Aid class, I knew not to take the attitude that she's crazy and was able to keep her calm.” –Sarah L., EMT
  • I’ve taken regular first aid, and I’ve used both, but certainly the opportunities to use Mental Health First Aid are much more abundant.” –Nathan Krause, Pastor, Olney Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland
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