Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid is a certification from the National Council for Mental Health. Similar to how CPR training teaches individuals how to respond to medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid teaches how to provide support to people experiencing mental health challenges. It is an 8-hour training that requires 2 hours of pre-work and 6 hours of in-person instruction.
At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed. The program emphasizes the importance of non-judgmental listening, empathy and validation as key components to providing effective mental health support. Participants are also taught how to identify and challenge common myths and misconceptions about mental health and how to communicate effectively with individuals who may be experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit. Naloxone is a life-saving opioid reversal medication when administered immediately after a potential opioid overdose. BCHD’s supply of naloxone is provided by the California Department of Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project.
The training is organized around a five-step action plan, known as ALGEE, which stands for:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Upcoming Trainings
- December 1, 2023
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1200 Del Amo St.,
Redondo Beach
Register Here - January 12, 2024
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
514 N Prospect Ave.,
Redondo Beach
Lower Level – Beach Cities Room
Register Here - March 8, 2024
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
514 N Prospect Ave.,
Redondo Beach
Lower Level – Beach Cities Room
Register Here
teen Mental Health First Aid Training
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. The course teaches how young people can have open conversations with their peers about mental health and substance use challenges, teaches the common signs and symptoms teens should look out for, and how to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult. It is a 4.5-hour training that takes place over 3 in-person trainings of 90 minutes each. You must complete all 3 sessions to get certified.
Upcoming In-Person Training Dates:
- Thursdays, February 1, 8 and 15
4 - 5:30 p.m.
allcove Beach Cities
514 N Prospect Ave., Suite 400
Redondo Beach
Registration coming soon! - Wednesdays, May 29, June 5 and 12
4 - 5:30 p.m.
allcove Beach Cities
514 N Prospect Ave., Suite 400
Redondo Beach
Registration coming soon!
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
QPR Suicide Prevention Training helps individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone to help. The training is aimed at equipping people with the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene and support someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Learn skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope and refer them to someone who can formally assess and intervene.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit. Naloxone is a life-saving opioid reversal medication when administered immediately after a potential opioid overdose. BCHD’s supply of naloxone is provided by the California Department of Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project.
For more information, visit https://qprinstitute.com/.
Upcoming In-Person Training Dates:
- February 27, 2024
4 - 6 p.m.
514 N Prospect Ave.,
Redondo Beach
Lower Level – Beach Cities Room
Register Here - April 8, 2024
4 - 6 p.m.
514 N Prospect Ave.,
Redondo Beach
Lower Level – Beach Cities Room
Register Here
If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Uy at Jackie.Uy@bchd.org.
For more information about Suicide Prevention, please visit https://bchd.org/suicide-prevention.
If you are interested in being contacted about upcoming mental health trainings, please fill out our interest form here and we will notify you when new trainings are scheduled.
