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.
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
