mental health
first aid training
Learn how to recognize signs of mental health challenges and support someone in need.
recognize the signs
Identify warning signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
safely respond in a crisis
Learn how to support someone in distress.
listen with compassion
Offer reassurance and nonjudgmental support.
Connect to Professional Help
Guide people toward the care / resources they need.
Learn the Skills to Help
Mental Health First Aid teaches practical skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges and connect people with appropriate support.
choose the training that’s right for you
Best for: Community members, employers, and anyone who wants to help adults.
Learn how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults and how to provide initial support and connect someone with professional help.
Best for: Teachers, parents, coaches, youth group leaders, and anyone who works with youth.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in adolescents ages 12–18 and how to support them during crisis.
Best for: High school students (typically grades 9–12). Must be organized by school or organization.
This course equips teens with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges in friends and classmates and connect them with a trusted adult for help.
Best for: Police, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders.
This course equips first responders with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges in the people they serve and their colleagues, and connect them with appropriate support.
what to expect
course format & requirements
Mental Health First Aid courses are offered both in person and virtually. Each course is led by one or two certified instructors using a national, evidence-based curriculum, with classes limited to 30 participants or fewer.
earn a certification
Participants who complete the training earn Mental Health First Aider Certification through the National Council for Behavioral Health, which is valid for three years.
register for an upcoming training
Browse the calendar below to find available Adult and Youth courses and reserve your spot.
group trainings
If you would like to coordinate a private training for your organization or group of 10-30 participants, please contact us.
A Trusted Leader in Mental Health First Aid
Directions for Living is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based training that equips individuals and organizations with the skills to respond to mental health challenges with confidence and compassion.
Awarded MHFA Organization of the year in 2022
In 2022, we were recognized by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as the Mental Health First Aid Organization of the Year for our work advancing its life-saving curriculum.
More than 8,000 mental health first aiders certified
Since the Lawrence Dimmitt IV Mental Health First Aid Initiative began in 2020, Directions for Living has trained 8,000+ community members in Mental Health First Aid.
Nationally Recognized Mental Health First Aid Leader
Shani Young, our Director of Mental Health First Aid Training, was recognized as a top Mental Health First Aid Instructor in the nation in 2024 for teaching the most people in Florida.