Mental Health First Aid

This course teaches adults how to assist other adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem in the workplace

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental health first aid is the help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

What is the Standard Mental Health First Aid course?

The Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines.These guidelines were developed using consensus of mental health consumers, carers and professionals from English-speaking developed countries. Further information here: www.mhfa.com.au/cms/guidelines

Course Content

The Standard MHFA course teaches members of the public how to assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.

Developing mental health problems covered:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety problems
  • Psychosis
  • Substance use problems.
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
  • Non-suicidal self-injury
  • Panic attacks
  • Traumatic events
  • Severe psychotic states
  • Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
  • Aggressive behaviours.

Mental health crises covered:

Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of these mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.

Course Format

Course normally runs 8:30am to 5:00pm however format is flexible. Course participants receive a copy of the Standard MHFA Manual to keep and a Certificate of Completion.

Where can the courses be held?

The course can be conducted on site or out one of our many locations

Upcoming MHFA courses in your area  –

Telephone: 02 60 59 4500

Who can attend a MHFA course?

Any interested adult can attend. This course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course.

About MHFA Australia

The Mental Health First Aid Program was developed in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Prof Tony Jorm and operates within Mental Health First Aid Australia – a national not-for-profit organisation (based in Melbourne) focused on mental health training and research.

The Program has been well evaluated and found to be effective in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours.These evaluations have been carried out in workplace and community settings. Further information and links to MHFA related evaluations here: www.mhfa.com.au/cms/evaluations

The Program has spread to every state and territory of Australia and internationally. More information here: www.mhfa.com.au/cms/international

Impact of not addressing mental health

Mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces

$10.9 billion per year.

The impact of mental health conditions is measured as the total cost of absenteeism, presenteeism and compensation claims estimated in one year across all industries. This is estimated to be approximately $10.9 billion per year. This comprises $4.7 billion in absenteeism, $6.1 billion in presenteeism and $145.9 million in compensation claims.

(Price Waterhouse Cooper)

Please see below for terms and conditions related to cancellation of appointments, courses and on-site services: CANCELLATION POLICY