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. 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.

Who should attend a MHFA course?

MHFA courses are open to all members of the community, everyone aged 18 years and above is able to attend. One in five adults is affected by a mental health issue each year so MHFA is useful for everyone to learn literacy and skills in how to support someone experiencing a mental health issue or developing a crisis.

Course content:

DAY ONE

SESSION ONE (3 hours)

Part 1

Mental Illness

• Risk factors, prevalence and impact
• Spectrum of interventions

Mental Health First Aid

• The MHFA Action Plan

Part 2

Depression

• Signs, symptoms and interventions

SESSION TWO (3 hours)

Part 1

The MHFA Action Plan for Depression

• Crisis first aid for suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Crisis first aid for non-suicidal self-injury
• First aid for depression

Part2

Anxiety Problems

• Signs, symptoms and interventions

DAY TWO

SESSION THREE (3 hours)

Part 1

The MHFA Action Plan for Anxiety Problems

• Crisis first aid for panic attacks
• Crisis first aid after a traumatic events
• First aid for anxiety problems

Part 2

Psychosis

• Signs, symptoms and interventions

SESSION FOUR (3 hours)

Part 1

The MHFA Action Plan for Psychosis

• Crisis first aid for severe psychotic states
• First aid for psychosis

Part 2

Substance Use Problems

• Signs, symptoms and interventions

The MHFA Action Plan for Substance Use Problems

• Crisis first aid for severe effects of substance use
• Crisis first aid for agressive behaviour
• First aid for substance use problems

Upon Completion

Course participants receive a copy of the Standard MHFA Manual and a Certificate of Accreditation, valid for 3 years, after successful online, 15 question exam. Certificate of Completion is available for those not wanting to sit the exam. All 12 hours must be completed to receive the Accredited Certificate or the Certificate of Completion.

Course Facilitators

Dave Weeks (Instructor)
Maureen Carey (Co-facilitator)
Click here to read their profiles.

Additional Information