Mental Health First Aid®
Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help. Topics covered include depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders.
MHFA aims to equip individuals with the skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges, targeting a broad audience including those who work with youth, veterans, in higher education, workplaces, and emergency services, as well as the general public. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.
Participants will learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing:
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Nonsuicidal self-injury
- Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions)
- Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use
- Reaction to a traumatic event
Presented by Linda Santiman, MA, LMFT, Manager of Integrated Care, LA LGBT Center and Sara Watson, MCHES, Training and Events Specialist, CCALAC
Participants must complete an online self-study and then meet virtually with the instructor.
Cost for CCALAC Members and Affiliates: $50, Non-members: $100
Group rates are available. Please email the Training Center at training@ccalac.org if interested in seeking a group rate.
Instructor Biographies:
Linda Santiman, MA, LMFT, Manager of Integrated Care
Linda Santiman, MA, LMFT has worked as a Manager of Integrated Care at the Los Angeles LGBT Center for the past 16 years, managing an Integrated Clinic Program funded by the Department of Mental Health, and the Medical Care Coordination program funded by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designated state health programs (DSHP). Linda also works as a private practice psychotherapist for individuals and couples and has taught workshops on LGBT Affirmative Couples and Managing Self Care as a Human Rights Advocate. In her free time, Linda enjoys performing in cabarets, swimming, and crafting in the fiber arts.
Sara Watson, MCHES, CCALAC Training and Events Specialist
Sara Watson, They/She, has worked at CCALAC as the Training and Events Specialist for the past four years and has over 15 years of experience in health education. Sara teaches mental health first aid and works with communities on CPR and first aid instruction. Prior to working with CCALAC, Sara worked as a Policy and Advocacy Director in Los Angeles where they focused on behavioral health integration with under-resourced communities and in improving access to quality health care. In their free time, Sara enjoys the outdoors, especially the ocean where they are a divemaster and teach SCUBA diving.