Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, internationally recognized training that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. This interactive course equips individuals with the skills to provide initial support and connect someone to appropriate professional help.
Participants will learn to recognize common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Through discussion, role-play, and scenario-based exercises, learners will gain confidence in starting supportive conversations, de-escalating crises, and guiding individuals toward appropriate resources.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in supporting mental wellness in their workplace, community, or personal life—including employers, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and community members.
Upon completion, participants will be certified as Mental Health First Aiders.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
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Recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges in adults.
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Understand risk factors and warning signs of mental health crises, including suicide and self-harm.
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Apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to assess situations and provide appropriate initial help.
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Listen nonjudgmentally and provide reassurance and support to individuals in distress.
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Encourage appropriate professional help and self-help strategies for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use issue.
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Respond to mental health crises effectively, including panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, overdose, and acute psychosis.
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Promote a supportive and stigma-free environment for mental health in the workplace and community
Trainer Bios
Andrew Alexander, Director of Workforce Development, Thrive Behavioral Health, leads initiatives to strengthen behavioral health services through training, education, and staff development. With over a decade of experience in the mental health and human services field, Andrew brings a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, adult learning principles, and workforce resilience. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and a passionate advocate for building supportive, stigma-free communities. Andrew’s engaging and compassionate training style empowers participants to confidently support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Daisy M. Hernandez, MSW, LCSW, MBA serves as a Trainer and the Director of REC Peer Recovery TA at C4 Innovations. She earned her Master of Social Work as a fellow of the Integrated Behavioral Health Fellowship from Westfield State University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Elms College. Ms. Hernandez has dedicated her clinical social work career to community mental and behavioral health organizations within under-served communities. Her professional experience spans the entire spectrum of substance use disorder (prevention through recovery). As a native of Puerto Rico, she has leveraged her lived experience, bilingualism, and education to support and advance racial justice and empower individuals who are over-represented in behavioral health and social services as a result of negative impacts of social determinants of health, including re-entry.
Training Facts:
- Date
- July 16 and July 17, 2026
- Time:
- Location: In-person training at Thrive Behavioral Health, 2756 Post Rd #103, Warwick, RI 02886
- Subject: Adult Mental Health First Aid
- Practice level: Beginner, Intermediate
- CE credit:
- ASWB: 8 hours
- NAADAC: 8 hours
- NBCC: 8 hours
- Course type: In-person
- Covered topics: Adult Mental Health First Aid
- Date created: 2025
Who Should Take This Course:
Staff at all levels of health and human service agencies, behavioral health organizations, and recovery-centered organizations.
Refund and Cancellation policy:
If you are unable to attend the training, please email rhodetta@c4innovates.com to let us know prior to the training start date.
Training Certificates:
Participants may earn a Certificate of Course Completion* by:
- Attending the entire 8 hour in-person training
- Completing all required learning activities
- Completing the course evaluation form and the certificate request form
8 hours of continuing education credit will be awarded upon completion of this course through ASWB, NAADAC, and NBCC. Certificates will be emailed directly to participants roughly two weeks after the completion of the training evaluation and certificate request form.
Accommodations:
If you need accommodations for disability, please contact Project Coordinator, Isabel-Kai Fisher at rhodetta@c4innovates.com.
Grievances:
If you would like to report a complaint, please contact Project Director, Rachel Ehly at rehly@c4innovates.com.
In order to fully complete this course and receive a continuing education certificate, you must arrive on time, fill in the sign-in sheet, and stay for the duration of the training, completing the evaluation. If you are a social worker, you will need to write in your license number in the sign-in sheet.
C4 Innovations, Provider #1457, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. C4 Innovations maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 10/17/2023-10/17/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 8 continuing education credits.
C4 Innovations has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6576. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. C4 Innovations is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
This course has been approved by C4 Innovations, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #100990, C4 Innovations is responsible for all aspects of their programming.