Standard Mental Health First Aid Course
The Standard Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) course equips adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, co-worker or another adult experiencing
a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Standard Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan.
The course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals. It provides an overview of mental illnesses, risk factors, prevalence, and impact.
Mental health problems covered
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
Mental health crises covered
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects from alcohol orother drug use
- Aggressive behaviours.
Note: This course is not a therapy or a support group.
Why attend a MHFA course?
Evaluations consistently show that MHFA training is associated with improved knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid strategies, and confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness. It is also associated with decreased stigma and an increase in help provided.
Who can attend this course?
Any adult can attend.
What is the format?
This is a 12-hour face-to-face workshop.
Become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Demonstrate your mental health first aid skills by becoming an Accredited Mental Health First Aider. Complete an online assessment after the course to become accredited.
