Mental Health Training
Get the skills and knowledge to support your friends, family or co-workers mental health.
Around 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Understanding how to talk about mental health and help someone in need are important skills. Many people feel uncomfortable and unprepared when thinking about starting a conversation with someone they are concerned about.
At a Mental Health First Aid course, you will learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crises. You’ll learn how to provide initial help where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Why Complete a Mental Health First Aid Course?
Knowledge
The Mental Health First Aid course is evidence based and covers Australia's main mental heath problems
Confidence
Get the knowledge and skills you need to offer first aid for mental health problems
Action Plan
Learn a practical action plan that will give you the tools you need to help with mental health problems
Global
Join a global community at the forefront of mental health. Over 900,000 Australians have completed this course
Mental Health Problems and Crisis Situations Covered
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance Use Problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury (deliberate self-harm)
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe effects of drug and alcohol abuse
- Severe psychotic states
- Aggressive behaviours
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.
Designed for anyone who works with, lives with, or supports children aged 8 to 18. This course will teach you the skills and give you the confidence to recognise the signs of mental health issues in a young person, provide first aid, and direct them to the appropriate support.
The Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace course teaches managers, supervisors and individuals how to have supportive conversations and assist co-workers experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
The Mental Health First Aid for Tertiary Students course teaches how to assist a fellow student developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Helps leaders, decision makers and influencers within organisations understand how MHFA training helps create mentally healthy workplaces.
Equips adults with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend, family member, co-worker or other person, experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Mental Health First Aid Courses
Get the skills and knowledge to support your friends, family or co-workers mental health.
Standard Mental Health First Aid Course
The Standard Mental Health First Aid course 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.
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available.
Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider
Suitable for individuals, workplaces of all sizes and volunteer and community-based groups.
Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Traumatic events
The 12-hour course can be delivered in 1 of 3 ways:
Face-to-face: 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 daysBlended Face-to-Face: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face sessionBlended Online: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour videoconferencing sessions
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).
Accreditations are valid for 3 years.
Standard MHFA Course Options
Face to Face Course
2 Days Face to Face
Monthly public courses held on the Sunshine Coast
Onsite training available on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane and in the Wide Bay region for workplaces / groups. Get in touch to discuss your needs
Online Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour zoom sessions (can be held on one day with a break in the middle).
This course is tailored to workplaces (supporting staff or a co-worker).
For workplace / group bookings this course can focus on either workplaces (supporting staff or a co-worker) or community settings (supporting adults in all other settings). Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Blended Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session
This course is only available to workplaces and private groups. Get in touch to discuss your needs.
This course can focus on either workplaces (supporting staff or a co-worker) or community settings (supporting adults in all other settings). Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Workplace, Group & Private Courses
Workplace / private group courses are available for six or more participants. These are available in our training room on onsite at your location.
Get in touch (07) 5444 4171 or email training@assistfirstaid.com.au for more information or to book.
Mental Health First Aid Course for Adults Supporting Young People
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.
Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach a young person they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to help a young person to seek professional help or other supports.
Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in young people
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
- Distinguish between normal and expected changes during adolescence and development of mental health problems
- Understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.
This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to young people across a range of situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance use problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Non suicidal self-injury
Suitable for parents, carers and adults supporting adolescents across a wide range of settings including schools, community groups, organisations and sporting clubs.
Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).
Accreditations are valid for 3 years.
Youth MHFA Course Options
Face to Face Course
2 Days Face to Face
Regular public YMHFA courses are held on the Sunshine Coast.
Onsite training available on the Sunshine Coast, in Brisbane and in the Wide Bay region for workplaces / groups. Get in touch to discuss your needs
Online & Blended Courses
Online and Blended delivery options are available to schools and private groups. Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Schools and Community Groups
Private courses available for 6 or more particpants
Mental Health First Aid In Your Workplace
Every day, millions of workers go to work while experiencing a mental health problem. Mental illness is the leading cause of sickness, absence, & long-term work incapacity in Australia & has huge financial impacts.
Mental Health First Aid can help.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training has been identified as a key strategy to lessen the impact of mental health problems on productivity and many workplaces use MHFA training as the foundation for their mental health strategy.
Mentally healthy workplaces are good for business
A mentally healthy and supportive workplace is the key to driving employee well-being, productivity and, ultimately, business success
1 IN 5
Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year.
$10.8 BILLION
The annual cost of untreated mental illness on Australian businesses.
9 IN 10
Employees believe mental health in the workplace is important.
Mental Health First Aid is a practical, skills-based education program that equips adults in the workplace with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to a co-worker or another adult experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Grounded in research and guided by the voice of lived experience, our courses provide high-quality, safe and proven mental health first aid literacy and skills training to strengthen the support available to all Australians.
MHFA training leads to improved;
- Organisational and employee resilience
- Knowledge & confidence to provide information and support
- Workplace culture
- Productivity
Be Accredited
People who attend Mental Health First Aid training can complete an online assessment to be accredited as a Mental Health First Aider. Just like appointing physical first aid officers, many organisations choose to appoint accredited Mental Health First Aiders to the role of Mental Health First Aid officer within the workplace.
Be Recognised for Your Achievements
Workplaces can become part of the MHFA Skilled Workplace Program that recognises workplaces for their commitment to Mental Health First Aid training. Participating in the MHFA Skilled Workplace Program is a clear demonstration of your commitment to building a mentally healthy workplace, both to your staff and your external stakeholders.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider
Suitable for individuals, workplaces of all sizes and volunteer and community-based groups.
Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Traumatic events
The 12-hour course can be delivered in 1 of 3 ways:
Face-to-face: 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 daysBlended Face-to-Face: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face sessionBlended Online: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour videoconferencing sessions
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).
Accreditations are valid for 3 years.
Workplace MHFA Course Options
Face to Face Course
2 Days Face to Face. This is the Standard MHFA course.
Online Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour zoom sessions (can be held on one day with a break in the middle).
This course is tailored to workplaces (supporting staff or a co-worker).
Blended Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session.
This course is only available to workplaces and private groups. Get in touch to discuss your needs.
MHFA for Leaders
90 minute workshop. Face to Face or Online.
Helps leaders, decision makers and influencers within organisations understand how MHFA training helps create mentally healthy workplaces.
This workshop is only available to workplaces and private groups. Get in touch to book or discuss your needs.
Workplace, Group & Private Courses
Workplace / private group courses are available for six or more participants. These are available in our training room on onsite at your location.
Get in touch (07) 5444 4171 or email training@assistfirstaid.com.au for more information or to book.
For more information, to discuss your companies needs or to book Mental Health First Aid training for your workplace call us on #5444 4171 or email admin@assistfirstaid.com.au
Tertiary Mental Health First Aid Course
The Standard Mental Health First Aid for Tertiary Students course teaches students 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.
Students learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in students and other adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.
Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, students learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Students also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.
This course meets the requirements of university courses that require students to undertake the MHFA course.
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in students and other adults
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
- Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.
Suitable for tertiary students aged 18+.
This course meets tertiary course requirements
This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Non suicidal self-injury
- Traumatic events
- Eating disorders
The 12-hour course can be delivered in 1 of 2 ways:
Blended Face-to-Face: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session
Blended Online: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour zoom sessions (run on 1 day with a 1 hour break in the middle)
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
Standard MHFA is suitable for tertiary institutions who prefer a face-to-face delivery option.
You can complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).
Accreditations are valid for 3 years.
This course meets course tertiary requiriments.
Tertiary MHFA Course Options
Blended Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session
Online Course
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour zoom sessions (run as 1 session with a 1 hour break in the middle)
University & Tafe Group Bookings
Private courses available for six or more particpants
Mental Health First Aid for Leaders
Mental Health First Aid: Engaging Leaders has been developed for employers and managers. It provides leaders within organisations with information about the behavioural and physical signs that often indicate when an employee is experiencing a mental health problem and approaches for supporting an employee with mental illness.
The 90-minute session provides participants with a comprehensive overview of what staff and employees learn in a full 12-hour Mental Health First Aid training course.
Engaging Leaders participants also learn about how the workplace can contribute to mental health problems, the framework for creating mentally healthy workplaces and how Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace can help.
It talks to the role of MHFAiders and MHFA Officers in a workplace and how Mental Health First Aid training can contribute to a culture of care where staff feel supported and encouraged to talk openly about mental health.
Suitable for leaders, decision makers and influencers within organisations.
The 90-minute session can be delivered in 1 of 2 ways:
- Face-to-face
- Online
The session is led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
MHFA for Leaders Course Options
Delivery Format
Face to Face or
Online
Duration
90 Minute Workshop
Booking
This workshop is only available for workplace, group and private bookings.
Workplace / private group courses are available for six or more participants. These are available in our training room on onsite at your location.
Get in touch for more information or to book.
Phone: (07) 5444 4171
email: training@assistfirstaid.com.au
Or via the contact form
Conversations About Suicide
The Conversations about Suicide course teaches participants how to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Course participants learn how to recognise and respond to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, provide support and encourage pathways to professional help.
Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs that indicate someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Understand the warning signs and risk factors of suicide
- Know how to support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
- Understand the professional resources and supports available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Know the barriers to help seeking and how to overcome these
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.
Suitable for individuals, workplaces of all sizes, and volunteer and community-based groups.
Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.
Participants in this course will learn how to apply mental health first aid to a person experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
This half-day course is delivered face-to-face by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
There is a certificate of attendance for this course.
Conversations About Suicide Course Options
Delivery Format
Face to Face
Duration
4 to 5 Hours
Bookings
This course is only available for workplace, group and private bookings.
Workplace / private group courses are available for six or more participants. These are available in our training room on onsite at your location.
Get in touch for more information or to book.
Phone: (07) 5444 4171
email: training@assistfirstaid.com.au
Or via the contact form
Mental Health First Aid Australia
This course has been developed by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia.
MHFA Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation focused on mental health training and research. Their core work is to develop MHFA courses, and train Instructors to deliver the courses to the community or in workplaces. MHFA courses are delivered across Australia and internationally.
Since its inception in 2000, Mental Health First Aid has evolved into a global movement across Australia and in over 27 countries. To date, over 4 million people worldwide have been trained, including over 900,000 Australians.
