Why Mental Health First Aid?
One in five Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year. That means almost everyone knows someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, whether a family member, friend or colleague. Mental illness is now said to affect every Australian, directly or indirectly.
We need more mental health literacy and support skills in the community to reach more Australians who are experiencing mental health problems and troubled times. Mental Health First Aid is skills-based, early intervention training that gives people the knowledge and confidence to recognise, connect with and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Anyone can have a conversation that may save a life. Everyone should know how.
About the course
The course teaches you how to give initial support to friends, family, co-workers or people in the community who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves. You use a practical, evidence-based action plan, based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.
What you will learn
Mental health problems, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
Mental health crises, including:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
- Aggressive behaviours
Course options
- 2-day Mental Health First Aid course: face-to-face classroom training
- Blended online training: e-learning plus 5 hours online via Zoom
- Mental Health First Aid refresher: 4 hours of face-to-face classroom training
Maintenance of competence for practising certificates
Mental Health First Aid training meets the NSW Resources Regulator guidelines for maintenance of competence for practising certificates, sections 7.3 and 7.4.1 (formal learning). When you complete the 12-hour course you receive a certificate to keep with your logbook.
In-house training
We run the program at your venue over 2 full days, for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 24 participants. Contact us to book an in-house course.
Enquire
MHFA, PFA or peer support?
Not sure which training you need?
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) focuses on recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance use disorders. You learn to give initial support, guide people towards professional help and respond to crises such as suicidal thoughts or panic attacks. It addresses both acute crises and ongoing mental health conditions.
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) gives immediate, short-term support after a traumatic event or crisis: promoting safety, calming people, giving information, connecting them with resources and encouraging coping strategies. It is practical support, not formal counselling or treatment, and is generally used by frontline workers or peers responding to emergencies.
- Peer support is empathetic, non-professional support for people experiencing stress or challenges, built on active listening, emotional support, shared experience and practical help. It is ongoing and relationship-based, and unlike PFA it is not limited to immediate crisis response.
For a nationally recognised option, see the 11244NAT Course in Mental Health Support for First Responders, or browse all our mental health courses.
Train your team in Mental Health First Aid
Tell us how many people you need trained and when, and we will arrange a course at your venue.
