Spiritual and Behavioral Health First Aid

Course Summary

Spiritual and Behavioral Health First Aid (SBHFA) is a comprehensive 9 lesson, 4-hour, peer-to-peer certification program developed by the prestigious American Association of Christian Counselors designed to provide participants with the tools they need to effectively address spiritual, mental and behavioral health challenges. Grounded in a fidelity to the authority of the Bible and evidence-based strategies, this training equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support others experiencing distress.

This certification program helps individuals: 

• Develop an understanding of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of spiritual, mental and behavioral health 
• Cultivate skills to engage in empathetic, supportive conversations with individuals experiencing spiritual, mental, or behavioral health challenges.  
• Learn effective techniques for de-escalating crisis situations while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.  
• Gain insights into the principles of trauma-informed care and how to apply them when offering support.  
• Understand referral processes within the mental healthcare system, ensuring timely and appropriate connections to professional care.  
• Enhance the ability to provide hope-focused interventions, particularly for those showing signs of suicidal ideation or distress.