Mental Health First Aid USA: Adult Participant Manual

by National Council for Behavioral Health, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Peggy Swarbrick (Foreword)

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Genres: Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Medicine

133 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Mykenna Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This past August I attended a Mental Health First Aid class, but I realized that I never fully read the manual that went with the class. So now that my college classes are over for the semester, and I no longer have school reading or other coursework to do, I thought it would be a good time for me to devote myself to reading this.

I found there to be a lot of good, easy to understand information and helpful resources at the end of each chapter. I feel much more confident now in my ability to help in a mental health crisis, and I encourage others to take this course and read through the manual as well since this information is universally beneficial.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE!!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This works well as a reference. But the vetted links are the most helpful part.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

When people think of first aid, they usually think of heart attacks, CPR, cuts, wound care, etc. This paperback book concerns first aid for those with mental health issues and how to manage them. Many times we don't know what to do when someone shows signs of a mental health crisis. This books discusses signs and symptoms of several mental disorders, trauma, and substance abuse issues. It gives great details on what to look for and how to manage until professional help is summoned. It also provides several resources that can offer information, suicide prevention, and where to find mental health professionals.
As a psychiatric RN, it was a very helpful review for me. I think it would be a helpful resource for the lay person particularly.

[Jamie CULPON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best training manual I've had the pleasure of learning. It's really, really direct and great to follow with the right instructor.

Full disclosure: I am currently reviewing this material in the hopes of becoming certified as an instructor.

[Sarah Epps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used the 2009 edition in a course offered to resident assistants on a university campus.

[Becky Gabany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I attended this course/read this manual for my new role at work. I knew much of the content already, but for someone who does not this would have been incredibly informative. The section on substance use was very interesting. Great tool for the community.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent resource