Visit our “What is MHFA?” page here.

Adult MHFA, also referred to as MHFA, is taught to adults to assist other adults. Youth MHFA is taught to adults to assist adolescents ages 6-18. Both curriculums are very similar and teach the same ALGEE action plan, but the Youth MHFA course is streamlined and has a higher emphasis on techniques for engaging with adolescents. For both Adult and Youth MHFA, you must be at least 18 years old to take the training.

The average cost of a MHFA training is between $75-150 per participant. However, MHFA Oklahoma provides all trainings free of cost to participants and organizations.

Through this evidence-based training program, we work to equip you with the skills to assist others experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. This can not only provide support to others in a time of need, but also work towards preventing death by suicide or substance overdose. In 2020, Oklahoma had the sixth highest suicide rate per capita in the U.S.*, and in a 2019 benchmark survey, 22.2% of Oklahoma school children reported they had seriously considered suicide in the previous 12 months.+

There is a teenMHFA curriculum available through the National Council of Mental Wellbeing. In teenMHFA, teenagers learn the skills they need to have supportive conversations with their friends and how to get help from a responsible and trusted adult. We do not currently offer teenMHFA, but we are planning on adding this to our offerings in the future.

Upon completion of the training you will receive a certificate designating you as a mental health first aider. The certification is active for three years, after which you can retake the training or complete a refresher course through the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.

Topics covered include mental health and substance use challenges, including crises such as suicide and overdose. Trainees are taught how to apply the ALGEE action plan in a variety of situations as early intervention, during worsening signs & symptoms, and in crisis situations. The training includes scenario practice, video examples, and group activities to engage participants in the core concepts.

MHFA Oklahoma is a prevention program of DCCCA’s Community-Based Services. DCCCA is a 501(C)(3) organization operating in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri providing social and community services that improve the safety, health, and well-being of the people it serves. Learn more about DCCCA here.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing operates Mental Health First Aid USA in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health.