The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adults including: anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and substance use disorders.

Participants learn a core five-step action plan to support an individual developing or showing signs and symptoms of mental illness or in an emotional crisis:

Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help and Encourage self-help and other support strategies.