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Mental Health First Aid: What Every Maryland Family Should Know
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
In 2026, we are finally treating mental health crises with the same tactical urgency as physical ones. Most of us know how to call 911 or perform basic CPR, but would you know what to do if a family member experienced a severe panic attack, a depressive crisis, or a substance use emergency? In Maryland, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has become a vital community standard, with over 90,000 "First Aiders" now trained across the state to bridge the gap between an initial crisis and professional care.
At Favor Mental Health, we believe that every home in Bel Air should have at least one person equipped with these life-saving skills.
The ALGEE Action Plan: Your Mental Health CPR
Just as medical first aid has the "ABC" protocol, Mental Health First Aid uses a 5-step action plan known as ALGEE. This is a non-linear framework that allows you to support someone in distress without having to be a licensed clinician.
A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm: Before anything else, determine if the person is in immediate danger. In 2026, Maryland families can always call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.
L – Listen non-judgmentally: This is the most critical step. Your goal is to make the person feel heard and safe, not to "fix" them or offer glib advice.
G – Give reassurance and information: Let them know that what they are experiencing is real, they are not alone, and that help is available.
E – Encourage appropriate professional help: This might mean helping them find a therapist in Harford County or scheduling an appointment with their primary doctor.
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies: This includes connecting them with family, friends, or local support groups that understand their specific struggle.
Why Maryland Families are Getting Certified in 2026
The state of Maryland has significantly expanded access to MHFA training this year. Organizations like the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) and MarylandROPTA are now offering specialized tracks:
Youth Mental Health First Aid: Designed specifically for parents, teachers, and coaches. It focuses on the unique ways mental health challenges manifest in adolescents—who often show "irritability" instead of "sadness."
Adult Mental Health First Aid: A broad-spectrum course that helps you support colleagues, friends, and adult family members navigating life transitions or workplace burnout.
The 2026 "Summit for CHANGE": Coming this June, Maryland will host a statewide summit specifically for Mental Health First Aid instructors and advocates to share new strategies for community resilience.
Local Training Opportunities in Bel Air & Harford County
You don’t have to go to Baltimore to get certified. Harford County offers several local resources for families:
Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy: Frequently hosts free MHFA training sessions for residents looking to support those with substance use challenges.
Healthy Harford: Provides a directory of suicide prevention and mental health literacy courses available in the Bel Air area.
Virtual & Blended Options: In 2026, most MHFA courses offer a "Blended Virtual" format—2 hours of self-paced online work followed by a live, 6-hour Zoom session—making it easier for busy Maryland families to fit training into their schedules.
Moving Beyond First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is designed to stabilize a crisis, but long-term wellness requires a sustained, professional partnership. At Favor Mental Health, we act as the "Next Step" in your ALGEE plan. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we help individuals and families build a lasting foundation of health.
Family Systems Therapy: Helping the whole family unit understand and support a loved one’s recovery.
Crisis Stabilization: Providing a safe, clinical space to process traumatic events and prevent future emergencies.
Resource Navigation: We help you navigate the complex Maryland healthcare system to ensure you are getting the full spectrum of care you deserve.
You don't have to be a doctor to save a life. You just have to be there.
At Favor Mental Health, we support the Mental Health First Aid movement in Bel Air, MD, by providing the high-level, professional follow-up care our community needs to thrive. Book an appointment today
📍 Favor Mental Health
Suite 9B, 260 Gateway Drive, Bel Air, MD 21014
📞 410-403-3299
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