Have you ever seen someone upset or struggling and wanted to help, but weren’t sure how? Many of us freeze up or worry we’ll say something wrong. Mental Health First Aid can teach you what to do.
This free training teaches you how to help. You’ll learn to support someone dealing with worry, sadness, drug problems, or thoughts of suicide. It works whether you’re helping a friend, someone at work, a student, or family member.
SummitStone Health Partners offers these classes right here in Northern Colorado.
What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to spot when someone is struggling with mental health and how to help them.
Think of it like learning CPR, but for mental health. Just like CPR helps during a heart emergency until doctors arrive, Mental Health First Aid helps during a mental health crisis until professional help can step in.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing created this training. SummitStone Health Partners brings it to people in Colorado.
Why This Training Matters in Colorado
Mental health problems are common in Colorado. One in four Coloradans had poor mental health for more than a week last month—the highest number since tracking began. Suicide is one of the top causes of death for young people in our state. (2023 Colorado Health Access Survey)
Often, the first person to notice someone struggling is a friend, family member, teacher, or coworker. This training gives you tools to:
- Notice the warning signs
- Talk to the person with kindness
- Help in a way that works
- Connect them with professionals
You don’t need to be a doctor or therapist to help. Anyone can learn these skills!
What You’ll Learn
In our free, in-person classes, you’ll become a Mental Health First Aider! You’ll learn:
- How to spot signs that someone needs help
- What to say (and what not to say)
- Simple steps to help in both emergencies and everyday struggles
- How to connect people to professionals who can help
- Ways to support someone without judgment
Ready to join?
Who Should Take It?
Mental Health First Aid is for everyone! You don’t need any special background or education. Anyone 18 or older can take this training. People who often attend include:
- Parents and caregivers
- Teachers, coaches, and school staff
- Faith leaders and volunteers
- Business owners and work teams
- First responders and public workers
If people often come to you for help, this class will boost your confidence and skills.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
SummitStone also offers a special class for adults who work with young people ages 12–18. This training helps you:
- Understand common youth challenges like anxiety or worry, ADHD, substance use, and eating disorders
- Learn how to help teens going through tough times
- Support young people in a positive, age-appropriate way
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to learn how to start a helpful conversation and guide someone to the right support.
If you’ve ever wanted to help but weren’t sure how, this training is for you.
Your support can save a life. Sign up today for a Mental Health First Aid training and learn how to be there when it matters most.
Next Steps
- Explore Mental Health First Aid at SummitStone
- Register for a class in Northern Colorado
- Learn about Crisis Services if you or someone you know needs help right now
Together, we can build a community where people know how to help each other—one trained helper at a time.