Mental Health First Aid Training
What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that teaches people how to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress with care, confidence, and clarity using the ALGEE framework.
In this course you will learn how to:
- Identify signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
- Support colleagues, students, family, and friends who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
- Reduce stigma and increase empathy toward individuals with mental health challenges.
Introducing Western's MHFA Instructors!
During Fall 2025, 14 dedicated staff and faculty members became certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructors. This dynamic, diverse team is passionate about advancing mental health resources and is ready to teach this life-changing work across our campus.
Western’s MHFA Instructor team is made up of staff and faculty from Campus Recreation, Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Sciences, University Residences, the Office of Global Engagement, the Woodring College, the College of Humanities and Social Science, and the Office of Health Promotion and Resilience – bringing a unique perspective to each MHFA training.
Register for a Training
Registration Information
Faculty and staff: Register for free Mental Health First Aid training!
Classes are limited to 20 attendees per class and are available first-come, first-serve basis. We offer single-day trainings (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) and 2-day trainings (8:30 AM to 12 PM each day). Single-day trainings will include a boxed lunch and light refreshments.
Please note: Trainings will involve light pre-work before class, which will be emailed to participants in advance.
Upcoming Single-Day Trainings
Learn all the basics of MHFA in one full-day training with lunch included.
Register for Friday, Feb. 6, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM in Miller Hall 017
Register for Friday, Feb. 27, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM in Miller Hall 017
Register for Monday, Mar. 23, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM in Miller Hall 231
Upcoming 2-Day Trainings
Learn all the basics of MHFA split into a two-day training. You must attend both training days to receive certification.
Register for Feb. 17 & 18, 8:30 AM - 12 PM both days, in HU 108
Register for Mar. 11 & 12, 8:30 AM - 12 PM both days, in BH 110
Request a Training
We are happy to train staff, faculty, and student staff in MHFA upon request. Please submit a Training Request Form for your campus department and we will do our best to meet your needs!
For department training, we can schedule a 1-day (7.5-hour) training or split the training into multiple days. Please determine a few dates your group would be available, if you’d like a virtual or in-person training, and have 5-30 participants selected prior to submitting a request.
Our ability to fulfill requests may be impacted by factors such as current demand for MHFA trainings, time of the quarter, supplies available, and availability of MHFA Instructors on the dates provided.
Please note the following when requesting an outreach program:
- Provide at least 3 weeks’ notice.
- Provide several possible dates for the training.
- Have at least 5 participants ready to attend this training.
Request a Mental Health First Aid Training for Your Department
Contact Chloe Martin if you have any questions.