Be the Help Someone Needs
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) empowers individuals with the tools to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges—and to respond with confidence, compassion, and connection.
Brook Lane proudly offers FREE evidence-based MHFA training courses for adults, youth, military and veterans, and public safety professionals. Whether you’re a first responder, teacher, parent, or simply someone who cares, you can be the difference for someone in need.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Just like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares you to respond in a crisis—but for mental health.
You’ll learn how to:
- Identify signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges
- Approach and support someone in need—without judgment
- Connect them to the appropriate care and community resources
- Reduce stigma and foster open, supportive conversations
All courses include comprehensive materials, a free “Grab ’n Go” breakfast and lunch, and are 100% sponsored by Brook Lane—no cost to participants.
The MHFA Action Plan: ALGEE
Each course equips you with the 5-step MHFA action plan:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and support strategies
Who Should take MHFA courses?
Everyone can benefit from MHFA. Especially:
- Corporations & Employers
- Educators
- First responders
- Community leaders
- Church volunteers
- Parents & caregivers
- Anyone who wants to help
- Adult MHFA
- MHFA for Military, Veterans, and their Families
- MHFA for Public Safety
- Youth MHFA
- MHFA for Higher Education
Designed for anyone 18+, this course covers mental health and substance use challenges common among adults. Ideal for:
- Employers & HR professionals
- Hospital staff
- Community volunteers
- Clergy & church groups
- Neighbors & caring individuals
This specialized course addresses the unique mental health needs and challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their loved ones.
You’ll gain insight into:- Military culture and stigma
- Combat-related trauma and stress
- How to reach out and offer support to those who may suffer in silence
Tailored for police officers, firefighters, EMS, and corrections staff, this training helps public safety professionals:
- Recognize early warning signs
- Safely intervene in mental health or substance use crises
- Support colleagues and reduce internal stigma
This course strengthens departments, builds resilience, and promotes a culture of well-being.
Focused on supporting adolescents ages 12–18, this course helps adults recognize signs of distress in young people and confidently step in to help.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand teen mental health issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more
- Navigate crises including self-harm, bullying, and substance use
- Connect teens to professional care and self-help resources
Perfect for: - Parents
- Teachers and school staff
- Youth group leaders
- Coaches
- Mentors
Prepare your campus to address mental health and substance use challenges commonly experienced in higher education settings. Developed by people who have experienced mental health challenges and mental health professionals, this course teaches early intervention techniques and improves mental health literacy to help you understand, identify and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.Our engaging training program will help you decrease stigma, address tough challenges, and allow your students, professors, and other school faculty to show up fully in their daily lives and support those around them.
Event Requests & Additional Information
If you would like to host a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) event or would like more information about upcoming courses, please contact Nettie Blowers at nettie.blowers@brooklane.org or 301-733-0330.
