Mental Health First Aid (Adult, USA)

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance-use challenges. This course gives participants the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to support someone experiencing a mental health concern.

MHFA strengthens well-being, reduces stigma, and builds more supportive communities — including workplaces.

Why Mental Health First Aid for Your Workplace?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) gives employees practical, effective tools to support one another — creating stronger, safer, and more connected teams. As workplaces continue to navigate stress, burnout, and evolving mental-health needs, MHFA helps organizations build cultures of clarity, compassion, and confidence.

MHFA benefits workplaces by:

Strengthening Psychological Safety Employees learn how to approach sensitive conversations, listen without judgment, and respond with care. This increases trust and makes it more likely that individuals will speak up when they need support.

Reducing Stigma and Improving Awareness MHFA normalizes mental-health conversations and helps teams understand signs and symptoms early, leading to more informed and supportive interactions.

Increasing Confidence During Challenging Moments Participants leave the training knowing how to recognize when someone may be struggling — and how to take appropriate steps using the MHFA Action Plan.

Supporting Employee Well-Being and Retention When workplaces show they care about mental health, employees feel valued. This can reduce burnout, improve morale, and contribute to better long-term retention.

Enhancing Workplace Communication & Team Culture MHFA equips employees with skills that improve listening, understanding, and connection — essential qualities for effective leaders and collaborative teams.

Promoting Early Intervention Knowing how to respond early and connect someone to appropriate support can prevent challenges from escalating, benefiting both employees and the organization.

A Workplace That Knows MHFA Is a Workplace That Cares

Offering MHFA training sends a clear and powerful message:

Your people matter.

Their well-being matters.
And your workplace is committed to building a culture where everyone feels supported.

Who Should Take This Course

This training is beneficial for everyone, including:

• Workplace teams and departments

• HR, People & Culture, and leadership groups

• Nonprofits, community organizations, and mission-driven workplaces

• Managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders

• Anyone who wants to learn how to support adults with confidence and compassion

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance-use challenges

• Approach and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge

• Listen non-judgmentally and offer reassurance

• Use the MHFA Action Plan to guide supportive conversations

• Respond to situations involving crisis or escalating distress

• Connect someone to appropriate professionals and community resources

These skills can be used in the workplace, at home, and in everyday life.

Course Format

The Adult MHFA course includes:

Self-Paced Prework- Participants complete a required online module at their own pace before the live training. This prepares everyone with foundational knowledge.

Instructor-Led Training -A 6.5-hour live session (virtual or in-person) that includes:

• Group discussions

• Interactive activities and videos

• Real-world scenarios

• Skill-building using the MHFA Action Plan

The training is taught with fidelity, following all Mental Health First Aid USA guidelines.

Certification- Participants who complete the course receive an official MHFA certification valid for three years.

What’s Included

• Access to the online learning portal

• Instructor-led live training that equips learners with tools and strategies.

• MHFA participant manual and resources accessible for 3 years

• Certification valid for 3 years

About Katie, your Instructor

Katie McAteer is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and a multi-year recognized Top Coach in Seattle. With extensive experience in People & Culture, leadership development, and employee well-being, Katie brings a warm, grounded, and supportive approach to this important work.

Accessibility & Accommodations

I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive training environment.

Bring Mental Health First Aid to Your Workplace

If you're ready to strengthen your team’s well-being and equip your organization with evidence-based mental health skills, I would love to support you.