First Face Training for Mental Health Crises

Overseen By Michelle Zuckerman, EdD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cambridge Health Alliance

Disqualifiers: Previous First Face training

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate a training program called First Face for Mental Health, which helps people recognize and respond to mental health crises. It focuses on teaching community members how to connect those in crisis with the help they need. Participants will complete surveys to measure their knowledge and confidence in handling mental health situations before and after the training, and again three months later. This trial suits those employed at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations who have not previously completed the First Face training. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to enhance their skills in supporting mental health within their community.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this training program is safe?

Research shows that the First Face for Mental Health training is a program rooted in cultural understanding, designed to help community members support those experiencing mental health crises. Studies have found that this training provides clear, practical steps for assisting others during difficult times, focusing on issues important to Tribal communities.

Unlike medicines or medical devices, this training is not tested on people in the same way. Instead, it teaches skills, so participants experience no physical side effects like those in other clinical trials. The focus is on learning how to handle mental health situations effectively.

Research also highlights that the training includes self-care tips for participants, which is crucial for anyone helping others in a crisis. This suggests that the program is designed to be safe and supportive for participants, both mentally and emotionally. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the First Face for Mental Health training because it offers a fresh approach to handling mental health crises. Unlike traditional treatments like medication and therapy, which often take time to work, this training focuses on immediate intervention skills that can be used in urgent situations. This method empowers individuals to act effectively during a crisis, potentially preventing escalation and improving outcomes for those in distress. By measuring changes from pre-training to three months post-training, researchers hope to demonstrate its lasting impact and efficacy.

What evidence suggests that the First Face Training Program is effective for mental health crises?

Research has shown that mental health training programs like First Face help people better understand mental health issues and feel more confident in assisting others. Studies have found that such training leads to significant improvements in mental health knowledge, both short-term and long-term. Participants often feel more prepared to recognize and respond to crises. Although specific data on First Face is limited, similar programs have demonstrated moderate success in these areas. This suggests that First Face could also positively impact trainees' skills in handling mental health crises. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Healing Lodge staff who will be trained in the First Face program to better recognize and respond to mental health crises. The goal is to help them assist youth and adults by connecting them with necessary support.

Inclusion Criteria

Employment at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations

Selection to participate in First Face for Mental Health training

Exclusion Criteria

Previous completion of First Face for Mental Health training

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo the First Face training program to learn how to recognize and respond to mental health crises

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Post-training Evaluation

Participants complete surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes immediately after training

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in knowledge and attitudes 3 months after training

3 months

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• First Face for Mental Health

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of the First Face training program on improving knowledge, attitudes, and response capabilities regarding mental health crises among community members.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Healing Lodge First Face Training Evaluation Study Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants in this evaluation will be assigned to the First Face for Mental Health training condition. The investigators will use a pre-post design to measure change in relevant outcomes from pre-training, to post-training, to 3-months post-training.

First Face for Mental Health is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as First Face for Mental Health for:

• Mental health crises
• Addiction
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-harm
• Violence

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cambridge Health Alliance

Lead Sponsor

Trials

65

Recruited

22,400+

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Collaborator

Trials

315

Recruited

251,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Three years after completing the Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, parents maintained improved knowledge about youth mental health issues, which is crucial for providing effective support.

While there were some positive trends in parental support and adolescent mental health outcomes, the study was underpowered to definitively demonstrate significant benefits in mental health first aid skills or the impact on adolescents receiving aid.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effects of Youth Mental Health First Aid training: randomized controlled trial with 3-year follow-up. Morgan, AJ., Fischer, JA., Hart, LM., et al.[2021]

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training significantly improved Bhutanese refugee community leaders' ability to recognize symptoms of depression and their understanding of treatment options, as shown by pre- and post-test results from 58 participants.

Despite the knowledge gains, the training did not lead to a reduction in negative attitudes towards individuals with mental illness, suggesting that further adaptations to the program may be needed to address stigma in this community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training for the Bhutanese refugee community in the United States. Subedi, P., Li, C., Gurung, A., et al.[2020]

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program designed to educate laypersons about recognizing early symptoms of mental disorders and psychological crises, which is crucial for effective therapy and positive outcomes.

The 12-hour 'Standard Course' equips participants with essential knowledge about mental health and the healthcare system, enabling them to provide initial support and guide individuals in crisis towards professional help.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[First Aid for Mental Health in Germany]. Deuschle, M., Send, TS.[2020]

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training significantly improves mental health knowledge, recognition of mental disorders, and beliefs about effective treatments, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate in a review of 18 trials involving 5936 participants.

The training also enhances confidence and intentions to provide mental health support, with small improvements in actual help provided, indicating that MHFA is effective in promoting mental health literacy and support behaviors for up to 6 months post-training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Mental Health First Aid training: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and helping behaviour. Morgan, AJ., Ross, A., Reavley, NJ.[2023]

Mental Health First Aid training delivered through e-learning significantly improved knowledge about mental disorders, reduced stigma, and increased confidence in helping others among 262 participants in a randomized controlled trial.

E-learning was more effective than a printed manual in reducing stigma and improving first aid actions, highlighting its potential as a superior method for training the public in mental health support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training by e-learning: a randomized controlled trial. Jorm, AF., Kitchener, BA., Fischer, JA., et al.[2022]

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) significantly improves participants' knowledge about mental health, attitudes towards mental illness, and supportive behaviors, with a mean effect size of 0.56 for knowledge, 0.28 for attitudes, and 0.25 for helping behaviors based on a meta-analysis of 15 studies.

The results were consistent across different study designs and publication qualities, suggesting that MHFA is a reliable and effective public health strategy for increasing mental health awareness and support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental Health First Aid is an effective public health intervention for improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour: a meta-analysis. Hadlaczky, G., Hökby, S., Mkrtchian, A., et al.[2022]

The Mental Health First Aid training course significantly improved participants' confidence in helping others and reduced stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health, based on a randomized controlled trial with 301 government employees.

Participants also experienced unexpected improvements in their own mental health, indicating that the training not only enhances mental health literacy but also has personal mental health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training in a workplace setting: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN13249129]. Kitchener, BA., Jorm, AF.[2022]

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training significantly improved knowledge and confidence in helping individuals with mental disorders among public sector employees in Sweden, as shown in a randomized controlled trial with 406 participants.

The benefits of MHFA training were largely maintained over a two-year follow-up, suggesting that this program can effectively enhance mental health literacy and potentially increase access to professional treatment for those in need.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of mental health first aid training in Sweden. A randomized controlled trial with a six-month and two-year follow-up. Svensson, B., Hansson, L.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10641797/

Recommendations for Optimizing xaʔtus (First Face) ... MHFA is moderately effective in improving trainees' knowledge of mental health issues and confidence in providing help, with smaller effect sizes for ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06290180

Healing Lodge First Face Training Evaluation Study | ... These surveys will measure knowledge about mental health and addiction, as well as the ability and confidence to respond appropriately to mental health crises.

3. firstface.org firstface.org/

First Face for Mental Health xaʔtu̓s for Mental Health is a mental health and wellness training designed with and for Tribal communities. No special experience in mental health is necessary.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/first-face-training-for-mental-health-crises-5b90c

First Face Training for Mental Health Crises The study will help the investigators understand whether the First Face training program influences mental health and attitudes, as well as responses to mental ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9859566/

The Effectiveness of Mental Health First Aid Training ... The MHFA training program is effective and has significant short-term and long-term impacts, in terms of enhancing basic knowledge about mental health.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05998005

First Face Training Evaluation in Tribal Communities The goal of this study is to evaluate a culturally grounded training curriculum, First Face for Mental Health, in Tribal communities, using a waitlist ...

7. healinglodge.org healinglodge.org/family-wellness-center/first-face-training-institute/

First Face Training The First Face Training is built with and for tribal communities with special considerations for self-care, especially in Tribal communities.