TRAVERSE CITY —One in four Americans are expected to experience mental health problems, prompting the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) to offer a series of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses in 2026. These classes are designed to equip community members with the skills to assist those facing mental health challenges.
The MHFA courses will take place on March 24, May 20, Aug. 25 and Oct. 27 for adults, along with sessions for youth on April 21, June 17 and Sept. 22 in Traverse City and Cadillac. According to Customer Relations Director Kari Barker at NLCMHA, “Lack of knowledge creates a feeling of helplessness, a sense of fear and stigma. Many people are unsure of what to do and how to help.” This initiative aims to combat that fear.
MHFA is an internationally recognized training program that teaches participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues while providing initial help until professional assistance can be obtained. More than 4.5 million people across the country have already received this training, making it a vital resource for communities.
The courses will cover various mental health problems including substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and psychotic disorders. Crisis situations addressed will include suicidal behaviors, overdoses and reactions to traumatic events. Cynthia Petersen, NLCMHA Community Provider Relations Specialist and MHFA trainer, stated, “It gives people a plan to deal with different crisis situations that might come their way.”
It’s important to note that while MHFA provides crucial skills for assistance, it does not replace a professional therapist’s role. Barker emphasized that “early intervention is key. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.” This training prepares individuals to help others until more specialized care can be accessed.
All MHFA programs are designed for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of mental health issues and are beneficial for various community members including employers, first responders and educators. The courses have also been approved for 12 continuing education credits by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. The next steps for interested individuals will be to register for the classes as the dates approach.