Recap of ALGEE: The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
When I ask participants why they attend a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, many mention wanting to help someone they’re worried about but not knowing exactly what to say. They seek a structure, formula, or steps to guide them through the process. Just like with physical health, where we have a structured approach to providing support, mental health first aid has something similar known as ALGEE.
If you attend a Mental Health First Aid course, you will learn how to provide mental health first aid using this action plan.
The ALGEE Action Plan
All MHFA courses teach you how to provide mental health first aid using the ALGEE action plan, which stands for:
- Approach, Assess, and Assist with any crisis
- Assess the risk of suicide or harm and look for signs of trauma and high anxiety.
- Listen non-judgmentally
- Actively listen to the person without passing judgment.
- Give reassurance, support, and information
- Provide the person with reassurance and information about where they can get help.
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Guide the person to seek professional help from mental health services.
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
- Motivate the person to seek self-help and additional support strategies.
Unlike other emergency action plans, the tasks that make up the ALGEE action plan do not have to be done in sequence. You can assess risks, provide reassurance, and listen non-judgmentally all at the same time.
It’s a helpful reminder to focus on the approach. Think about where, when, and how you’re going to have the conversation. Make sure you listen and communicate non-judgmentally. One of the things I like to talk about is how to show empathy and validate emotions. While I don’t show it in the course, a video that I find really helpful is this one by Brené Brown.
Providing Reputable Information
Make sure to give the person appropriate and reputable information. This can include phone numbers, websites, or other resources. In the first aid course, we discuss some of the resources available locally, and at the end of each chapter, there are resources available for specific mental illnesses that can help guide you in the right direction.
Encouraging Professional Help
Encouraging appropriate professional help might look different for everyone. Just like with physical injuries where we might need to see a doctor, or physio, or visit an emergency department, with mental health, we have different professionals who can help at different times. These can include:
- Accredited Mental Health Social Workers
- Registered Social Workers
- Clinical Social Workers
- Registered Counsellors
- Mental Health Occupational Therapists
- Family Therapists
- Couples Therapists
- Psychologists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Art Therapists
- Play Therapists
- Outdoor Therapists
It’s impossible for any one therapist to have expertise in all areas of mental health. It’s important when approaching a therapist to check that they work in the area where you need assistance. While they have different educational backgrounds and specialisations, they all focus on improving the mental health of their clients.
Finding the Right Fit
It’s okay to ask therapists questions to get a sense if they’re the right fit for you. Consider asking:
- What’s their training?
- Are they regulated?
- How can you make a complaint if needed?
- How much do they cost?
- Do they have experience working with your specific needs?
Remember, mental health is health, and having strong, connected relationships plays a vital role in mental wellbeing. Through my work as a therapist at The Therapy Hub, and as a speaker, podcaster, and trainer, I aim to demystify mental health and break down the stigma surrounding it. I provide individuals and communities with the tools they need to improve their mental wellbeing and cultivate positive relationships at work, school, and home.
For those seeking therapy or mental health support, feel free to contact The Therapy Hub. We also offer a free downloadable e-book on “Get Ready for Therapy”
Additionally, I host the podcast “This Complex Life,” where we discuss various aspects of mental health and relationships. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please complete our anonymous survey here.