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

92 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a culturally grounded training program, xaʔtus (meaning First Face) for Mental Health. This program will train community members in how to recognize and respond to youth and adults experiencing mental health crises and ways to serve as a bridge between these individuals and the help they need. All Healing Lodge staff are being asked to complete First Face training. To evaluate First Face, the investigators will ask all trainees to complete surveys before and after training, and again 3 months later. These surveys will measure knowledge about mental health and addiction, as well as the ability and confidence to respond appropriately to 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 health crisis situations.

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment First Face for Mental Health?

Research on Mental Health First Aid training, which is similar to First Face for Mental Health, shows that it improves people's knowledge about mental health, reduces negative attitudes, and increases helpful behaviors towards those in crisis. This suggests that First Face for Mental Health might also be effective in these areas. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the First Face Training for Mental Health Crises treatment different from other treatments?

The First Face Training for Mental Health Crises is unique because it focuses on training individuals to recognize early signs of mental health issues and provide initial support, similar to first aid, rather than being a direct medical treatment. This approach empowers people to guide those in crisis towards professional help, which is different from traditional treatments that typically involve medication or therapy sessions. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Eligibility Criteria

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

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)

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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 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 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]

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]

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 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]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training by e-learning: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental Health First Aid is an effective public health intervention for improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour: a meta-analysis. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training in a workplace setting: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN13249129]. [2022]

4. Croatia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[First Aid for Mental Health in Germany]. [2020]

5. United States 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. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health first aid training for the Bhutanese refugee community in the United States. [2020]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effects of Youth Mental Health First Aid training: randomized controlled trial with 3-year follow-up. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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