This Mental Health 1st Aid course uses role-playing & simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis & connect persons to the appropriate professional, peer, social & self-help care. The program teaches risk factors & warning signs of specific types of illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders & schizophrenia. Mental Health 1st Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis & connect the person with help. 1st Aiders do not take on the role of professionals - they do not diagnose or provide counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools & answers key questions like "what do I do?" & "where can someone find help?" Certified Mental Health 1st Aid instructors provide a list of community healthcare providers & national resources, support groups & online tools for mental health & addictions treatment & support. Trainees receive a program manual to compliment course material.