MHFA for Older Adults

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults focuses on the unique experiences and needs of adults over age 50, introduces risk factors and warning signs of behavioral health issues and builds understanding of their impact. This eight-hour course builds the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing or experiencing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate supports.  Ideal for caregivers, nursing staff, aging services providers, employers, faith communities, families and friends.

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults is one of several modules that is based upon the Adult Mental Health First Aid curriculum; much of the content is identical, but includes additional information and scenarios specific to older adults. We encourage participants to take either Adult Mental Health First Aid or one of the more specific Adult Mental Health First Aid modules (Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults or Mental Health First Aid for Military members, Veterans and their Families). Participating in more than one version of Adult Mental Health First Aid in less than three years is not recommended given the repetitiveness of the curriculum as well as limited resources. This is not the case with Youth Mental Health First Aid as the content and information in that training is specific to adults who work and live with young people, 12 & 18 years of age.