Mental Health Champion Guide

Welcome to your Mental Health Champion Guide! This guide will support you in taking action in a mental health crisis.

To support someone that has just experienced a mental health crisis, reference the Psychological First Aid Core Actions Guide.
For general support, reference ALGEE and remember it can be used in whatever order each unique situation calls for.

Immediate Crisis

(CALL #988)

Medical emergency

Suicidal thoughts
and behaviors

Severe effects of
alcohol or drug use
(substance use crisis)

Severe psychotic states

May Be A Crisis

(Encourage professional help
I.E. Clever Health)

Panic Attack

Aggresive behaviors

Substance misuse

Following a traumatic event

Nonsuicidal self injury

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Core Actions Guide

1. Contact and Engagement

Goal: Respond to contacts initiated by affected persons, or initiate contact in a non-intrusive, compassionate manner.

Who are you?
What is your role/authority?
May I spend some time with you?
I am so sorry for what happened.

2. Safety and Comfort

Goal: Enhance immediate and ongoing safety and provide physical and emotional comfort.

Would you prefer to talk here or somewhere that feels more comfortable and safe?

3. Stabilization (if needed)

Goal: Calm and orient emotionally overwhelmed survivors.

Would you like help slowing your breathing or calming your body?
Practice 3–6 breathing with grounding press-down.

4. Information Gathering: Current Needs and Concerns

Goal: Identify immediate needs and tailor support.

What do you need most right now?

5. Practical Assistance

Goal: Offer practical help in addressing immediate needs.

Let’s figure out together how to get what you need that is accessible right now.

6. Connection with Social Supports

Goal: Support connection with trusted individuals and resources.

Is there someone you want to see?
Who can you count on this week?
Who do you need to be with today?

7. Information on Coping

Goal: Provide information about stress reactions and coping to promote adaptive functioning.

In past hard times, what has helped you?
Have you seen someone else get through something difficult? What worked for them?

8. Linkage with Collaborative Services

Goal: Connect survivors with culturally effective services now or in the future.

Provide information about available supports and how to access them.

A.L.G.E.E.

Mental Health Champion Tips

Stay Calm and Supportive
Approach the person with a calm demeanor, listen without judgment, and reassure them that you are there to help.

Assess Immediate Safety
Determine if the person is in immediate danger to themselves or others. If necessary, contact emergency services right away.

Encourage Professional Help
Gently suggest seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist.

Be Present
Offer your presence and let them know they are not alone. Sometimes, just being there for someone can make a significant difference.

Avoid Minimizing Their Feelings
Validate their emotions and experiences, even if you don’t fully understand them.

Help with Practical Tasks
Offer assistance with day-to-day tasks that might feel overwhelming, such as making appointments or running errands.

Provide Resources
Share information about hotlines, support groups, or online resources that can provide additional support.

Encourage Healthy Habits
Support them in engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.

Respect Their Privacy
Maintain confidentiality and respect their privacy, unless they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Follow Up
Check in regularly to show continued support and concern for their well-being.