Above / Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Outpatient Center is located at 1335 N. Mill Street in Napeville. (PN File Photo)
In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health offers in-person and virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, an evidenced-based public education program that teaches people how to help someone with a mental health problem or crisis.
This groundbreaking skills-based course teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a person experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA teaches skills to provide assistance until professional assistance is available. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides participants through the process of reaching out and offering support.
One in five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult to see. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive appropriate care.
“Educating individuals about mental health and substance use is vital for our communities to thrive,” says Gina Sharp, President, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health. “Mental Health First Aid helps break down the stigma and barriers for individuals to receive care so they can aim for holistic health, in which their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social needs are met.”
Since its introduction in 2008, MHFA has become a full-blown movement. More than 3 million people in the U.S. are trained by thousands of certified instructors and that number is growing every day.
Mental Health First Aid
How Blended MHFA Works: 2 hours of online self-paced coursework followed by a scheduled 5.5 hour IN-PERSON Instructor-led class (6 hours including breaks). The In Person Instructor lead portion of this course will be held from 3PM to 9PM on Wed., Oct. 11, at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Outpatient Center – Naperville located at 1335 N. Mill Street #100, Naperville, IL 60563.
What it Costs: $23.95 per participant, $50.00 for 7.5 CEU’s ( LCPC/LPC, LCSW/LSW, LMFT and Psychologist)
For more information or to participate in MHFA training offered by Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, visit www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health/specialties/mental-health-first-aid, call (630) 646-5158 or email mhfa@eehealth.org.
Report submitted by Keith Hartenberger | System Director, Media Relations & Storytelling
NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health.
