Mental Health First Aid Certification

Friday, October 25, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (In-Person at the Watertown Free Public Library)

Mental Health First Aid is an internationally-recognized training program that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training 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. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness.

Please note that while the workshop is free, there is a charge of $23.95 per participant for the certification. Payment can be made via PayPal. Please include 'Mental Health Workshop' in the note.

Approximately two hours of self-paced, online pre-work for the certification is required. You will be sent a link upon certification payment. Registrants who do not pay the fee and/or complete the pre-work will not be allowed to participate in the training.

Lunch will be provided by the Watertown Free Public Library.

Registration for this workshop will close on Friday, October 17.

Workshop Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury. 
• Use the 5-step ALGEE action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.
• Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities. 
• Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery. 
• Assess their own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders.
• Please note that the Mental Health First Aid certification must be renewed every three years.

Presenter:
Emile "Mike" Boutin, EdD, ACC, is Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Success in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Charlestown, MA. In his role as Asst Dean, he coordinates and provides student support dealing with issues of stress, time management, study skills, group and teamwork, and development of soft skills. He collaborates with faculty around a host of student issues. He is a certified ACC level Executive Coach, a certified Conflict Mediator and Trainer, teaches Counseling Skills to speech pathologists, and is a frequent workshop presenter and speaker on a host of issues. He works part time as a Music Director in local church settings. 

Luella Benn currently serves as Assistant Dean for Student Services and Title IX Coordinator at MGH Institute of Health Professions. A first generation college student; her career has focused on supporting students through challenges and advocating for equitable access in both K-12 and higher education settings. As a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor Luella strives to empower others to build their own resiliency and capacity to support one another. 

This workshop is free to staff of all Massachusetts non-profit ABE and ESOL Programs.

First Literacy does not receive any state or federal funding and we work very hard to raise 100% of our budget from private sources. Please consider making a donation to First Literacy so we can continue to offer FREE high quality professional development workshops.