Standard Mental Health First Aid Course

Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received or the crisis resolves. Mental health first aid strategies are taught in training programs provided by the Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA).

“This activity has been endorsed by the Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA) according to approved criteria. Completion of this educational activity entitles eligible participants to claim 12 CPD hours.”

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults (18 years or over) who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.

To find a course in your area click here.

Claim CPD Points

Most professionals can claim attendance at a MHFA course for continuing professional development with their industry body. Check directly with the body you are a member of for more information.

The Standard Mental Health First Aid Course has also been endorsed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points for a number of professions. This includes Nurses, OTs, Pharmacists, Fitness Instructors, Social Workers, Physiotherapists and others.

What the course covers

Developing mental health problems:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance misuse
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called self-harm)
• Panic attack
• After a traumatic event
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects of alcohol and drugs
• Aggressive behaviours

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. More information about what Mental Health First Aid courses teach here.

Course Format

This is a 12-hour course, which can be delivered as either:

A 2-day training package (6 hours per day), OR

As 4 separate training modules (3 hours each)

MHFA Manual

A manual is provided to each participant attending this 12-hour MHFA course. This Standard MHFA manual can also be purchased online at the MHFA Shop. A review of this manual can be read here.

Who can attend a course?

Any interested adult can attend. Please note this course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course to learn how to give first aid to others.