What is Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid® Training
Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) training teaches participants how to provide initial support to an adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves. This internationally recognised course equips participants with practical knowledge and skills to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem and how to respond in a supportive and appropriate way.
What You Will Learn
Participants learn about:
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Common mental health problems experienced by adults
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The signs and symptoms of developing or worsening mental health problems
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How to approach and support a person who may be experiencing a mental health problem
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How to respond in a range of mental health crisis situations
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Evidence-based professional, peer and self-help supports available
Course Outcomes
By completing the course, participants will gain greater confidence in:
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Recognising signs that a person may need support
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Having supportive conversations about mental health
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Responding appropriately to mental health crises
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Encouraging access to professional help and other supports
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Contributing to a more informed and supportive workplace and community
Accreditation
This course is facilitated by a licensed Mental Health First Aid® Instructor using official Mental Health First Aid Australia course materials.
Participants who complete all course requirements may be eligible to undertake the Mental Health First Aid Accreditation Assessment and become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider®.
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for managers, supervisors, team leaders, frontline staff, volunteers and community members who would like to develop practical skills to support adults experiencing mental health problems or mental health crises.
Mental Health First Aid® Refresher Course
The Mental Health First Aid® Refresher Course is designed for people who have previously completed a Mental Health First Aid® course and would like to renew their accreditation or refresh their knowledge and skills.
The course provides an opportunity to revisit the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan, update participants on current mental health information, and strengthen confidence in providing support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
What the Refresher Course Covers
Participants will:
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Review the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
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Refresh knowledge of common mental health problems and crisis situations
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Update their understanding of evidence-based treatments and supports
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Practice applying Mental Health First Aid skills in a range of scenarios
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Maintain confidence in supporting others experiencing mental health challenges
Accreditation
This course is facilitated by a licensed Mental Health First Aid® Instructor using official Mental Health First Aid Australia course materials.
Participants who successfully complete the course requirements may renew their Mental Health First Aid Accreditation, subject to the accreditation requirements of Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for individuals who have previously completed a Mental Health First Aid® course and wish to refresh their knowledge, maintain their skills, or renew their accreditation.
Course Format
The Refresher Course provides an interactive learning experience that includes discussions, activities, case studies and practical application of Mental Health First Aid skills in a supportive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mental Health First Aid®? Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) is a training course that teaches participants how to provide initial support to a person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Who should attend Mental Health First Aid® training? The course is suitable for managers, supervisors, team leaders, employees, volunteers, community members, and anyone who would like to learn practical skills to support others experiencing mental health challenges.
Do I need any previous experience or qualifications? No. The course is designed for people from all backgrounds and does not require any prior mental health training or qualifications.
What will I learn? Participants learn about common mental health problems, how to recognise signs and symptoms, how to approach and support someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem, and how to respond in a range of mental health crisis situations.
Is this a counselling course? No. Mental Health First Aid® does not teach participants to become counsellors or therapists. The course focuses on providing initial support and helping a person access appropriate professional assistance and other supports.
Will I become accredited? Participants who complete the course requirements may be eligible to undertake the Mental Health First Aid Accreditation Assessment and become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider®.
How long does accreditation last? Accreditation is valid for three years. To maintain accreditation, participants can complete a Mental Health First Aid® Refresher Course and meet the accreditation requirements set by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Is the course recognised across Australia? Yes. Mental Health First Aid® is delivered throughout Australia by licensed instructors using approved Mental Health First Aid Australia course materials.
Is Mental Health First Aid® suitable for workplaces? Many organisations choose to provide Mental Health First Aid® training to support mental health literacy and equip staff with skills to recognise and respond to mental health problems and crises. Organisations should consider how MHFA training complements their broader wellbeing, psychosocial risk management, and employee support initiatives.
Is Mental Health First Aid® a replacement for professional support? No. Mental Health First Aid® is designed to provide initial support and encourage access to appropriate professional help. It does not replace medical, psychological, counselling, or emergency services.
Do you offer workplace group bookings? Yes. Workplace and group bookings can be arranged for organisations seeking to train teams or departments. Contact us to discuss delivery options and scheduling.
What is the difference between the Standard Course and the Refresher Course? The Standard Course is designed for people completing Mental Health First Aid® training for the first time. The Refresher Course is for people who have previously completed MHFA training and wish to refresh their knowledge, maintain their skills, or renew their accreditation.
How is the course delivered? Course delivery options may include face-to-face, online, or blended learning formats, depending on the course being offered. Please refer to individual course listings for specific delivery details.
Who delivers the training? Training is delivered by a licensed Mental Health First Aid® Instructor using official Mental Health First Aid Australia course materials.