In support of Mental Health Action Day, the Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative has posted new online Mental Health First Aid training classes in June and July for entertainment industry workers in the U.S. at btshelp.org/mhfa. Mental Health First Aid is a training course that gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis, and help connect them to the appropriate care.

The first group of classes in April and May sold out quickly, so don’t wait to book your class today. Responding to a post class evaluation, over 95% rated the class value as very high or high with 91% stating the training covered issues they have previously seen arise in their workplaces. 

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack, or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental Health First Aid is an international training program that was created in Australia in 2000, brought to the U.S. in 2008, and is now in 24 countries around the world. Upon completing the course you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider which is valid for three years.

Comments from attendees included “It was a great basis for the different types of mental health struggles, and really addressed key points to consider when approaching those situations,” “Having this skill set is invaluable,” “I thought Bryan did an excellent job and this session was very focused on the issues in the entertainment industry,” and “I walked away more confident in being able to approach a person to open the door for a conversation and listening/offering resources.”

The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a 2-4 hour self-paced online course that must be completed prior to the second part which is a 6 hour virtual live instructor led session. Go to btshelp.org/mhfa to learn more and to select the date and time you wish to attend the virtual live instructor led session.

The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement. Training for Canadians is available through the AFC at afchelps.ca/mhfa.

Private group classes of 15 -20 are available. Contact mhfa@btshelp.org for information. Behind the Scenes is seeking accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainers who are working in or directly knowledgeable about the entertainment industry. If you have your in-person or virtual certification to teach the MHFA course, please contact BTS.

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skill sets by learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of distress in your colleagues and help make our workplaces healthier and safer spaces for all. Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources.