Mental Health First Aid at Work – operated in the US by the National Council for Behavioral Health – is a training program that teaches employees how to identify and support a co-worker (or anyone) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use concern or crisis.

Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 and has been taught worldwide. It recently has been gaining visibility in the US. It’s available as a 4-hour course and can be tailored to your workplace. Every Mental Health First Aid at Work training teaches ALGEE, the 5-step action plan:

  1. Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  2. Listen nonjudgmentally
  3. Give reassurance and information
  4. Encourage appropriate professional help
  5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies

mental health first aid at work