Many of us don’t feel confident talking about mental health or substance use concerns. We might worry it’s not our place, or we just don’t know what to say. At Vivie, we understand that everyone faces difficult times—and we want our team members to feel equipped to offer compassionate support.
That’s why we’ve adopted the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) model. MHFA teaches how to recognize warning signs and risk factors related to mental health and substance use. It also provides practical tools to support someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, including where to turn for help.
What is ALGEE?
MHFA participants learn how to apply the ALGEE action plan in real-life situations. This might include responding to panic attacks, self-harming thoughts or behaviors, hallucinations, delusions, trauma reactions, or symptoms of overdose or withdrawal. The ALGEE steps include:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Supporting people through everyday interactions
Vivie’s investment in MHFA reflects our commitment to care that goes beyond the expected. All leaders and supervisors receive this training—and many other team members choose to become certified as well.
The goal? To give our teams the confidence to respond with empathy and knowledge when someone is struggling—whether it’s a fellow team member, a person we serve, or someone in the broader community. MHFA helps create a culture where mental well-being is part of everyday conversation and support is always within reach.
Meet Vivie’s MHFA trainers
Nicole Ed Hines, LPN, engagement specialist, brings passion and personal experience to her MHFA training. She creates a welcoming space for learning by sharing real-life examples and providing monthly team training in Vivie’s north communities.
Erin Hurley Robinson, M.Div., M.A., team chaplain manager, draws on her background in counseling and pastoral care to support team members one-on-one. Erin also leads monthly MHFA training in Vivie’s south communities.
Click here for more information about Mental Health First Aid.
Teresia Mortenson
Teresia Mortenson has built her career around one clear purpose: making mental health care more accessible and responsive for older adults. As director of behavioral health in Vivie’s population health division, she leads non-clinical mental health programs for residents and team members, and provides clinical therapy to individuals who may otherwise face barriers to care. Teresia holds degrees in social work and psychology from St. Cloud State University, a master’s degree in social work from The College of St. Scholastica, and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Her certifications span dementia care, caregiver coaching, mental health, case management, and advance care planning. Her passion for aging services was sparked at a young age, when she volunteered in a long-term care community where her mother worked. From long-term care and care management to hospice and counseling, Teresia brings clinical insight and deep empathy to every role she serves.
