Mental Health Trainings

Become a source of strength for your community by becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Question Persuade Refer (QPR).

What is Mental Health First Aid?

It’s an eight-hour course that instructs its participants to recognize, understand and respond to an individual expressing at-risk behavior and warning signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. It gives its participants the knowledge and confidence to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations. MHFA provides strategies, resources and a concrete action plan so that you can help strangers, friends and even loved ones who may be experiencing a difficult time.

What is Question Persuade Refer?

It’s a one-hour suicide prevention course that trains its attendants to recognize signs of suicide and potentially save a life. This evidence-based emergency mental health intervention gives its participants the confidence to question, persuade and refer someone to help. As with any illness, early detection and action leads to better outcomes.

How you can get involved

University of Idaho Extension has trained professionals to provide free trainings in Mental Health First Aid and Question Persuade Refer. A number of MHFA and QPR trainings will be offered throughout the state.

To become a source of support for your community email Talje Hoene at thoene@uidaho.edu who will help you find a local MHFA or QPR training to participate in.