Mental Health First Aid Training
What is Mental Health First Aid and How Do We Teach It?
Akin to our expectation of physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to someone where there is concern that they may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
The two-day accredited MHFA course teaches participants about common mental health issues and has been found to increase their knowledge, awareness and skills. Upon completion of the course, some organisations have introduced Mental Health First Aid Officers, in the same way they have First Aid Officers.
Workplace scenarios, exercises and video training materials are used to assist learning so that participants complete the program with greater confidence and ability to help. Simple communication and engagement strategies, based on international evidence, are taught that allow the Mental Health First Aider to provide support and information, encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help, and promote the use of other supports.
All participants receive a copy of the MHFA Manual and a Certificate of Completion. Participants can also complete an online competency assessment following the course and will receive a 3-year accreditation.
What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?
A mentally healthy workplace minimises harm and promotes protective factors for all employees, providing them with an open and supportive environment that promotes positive cultures conducive to mental wellbeing, as well as physical health and wellbeing.
How Does Mental Health Affect Businesses?
Mental health conditions are estimated to cost Australian businesses $11 billion annually. A recent study conducted by PWC estimates that every dollar spent on creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace will create a return on investment of $2.30. Not to mention the positive impact these initiatives will have on individuals, employee engagement and workplace culture.
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Mental Health First Aid Course Details
Mental Health First Aid – Face to Face
2 Day Course
This two-day intensive workshop is delivered in person across 12 hours and covers four modules.
Session Details: 2 x Full days (9am – 5pm)
Participants: 8 – 20 participants per course
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- Mental Illness: the prevalence and impact
- Mental Illness intervention techniques
- Depression- the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of depression?
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- Crisis first aid for suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Crisis first aid for non-suicidal self-injury
- First aid for depression
- Anxiety: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of anxiety?
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- Crisis first aid for panic attacks
- Crisis first aid after traumatic events
- First aid for anxiety problems
- Psychosis: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of psychosis?
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- Crisis first aid for severe psychotic states
- First aid for psychosis
- Substance misuse: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
- How to intervene when you see signs of substance abuse?
- Crisis first aid for severe effects of substance use
- Crisis first aid for aggressive behaviour
- First aid for substance use problems
Mental Health First Aid Course (Online)
Mental Health First Aid – Online
The Online MHFA Workplace Course has been adapted from the Standard Mental Health First Aid Course for adults. Developed in response to COVID-19, the Online MHFA Workplace Course includes two course components, an eLearning component followed by instructor led virtual training. The course contains the same information and offers the same benefits as the in-person course.
Participants: Minimum of 8, Maximum of 12 for Course Component 2
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Duration: 5-7 hours
The eLearning course component presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises. -
Duration: 2 x 2.5 hour sessions
The instructor led sessions provide course participants with an opportunity to revise content covered in the self-paced eLearning program and to consolidate the application of this content with the development of practical skills in a group environment online.
Mental Health First Aid Course (Blended)
Mental Health First Aid – Blended
The Blended MHFA Course has been adapted from the Standard Mental Health First Aid Course for adults. The blended MHFA Course includes two course components, an eLearning component followed by instructor led face to face training. The course contains the same information and offers the same benefits as the two day in-person course.
Participants: Minimum of 8, Maximum of 20 for Course Component 2
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Duration: 5-7 hours
The eLearning course component presents an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises. -
Duration: 4 hours
The instructor led session provides course participants with an opportunity to revise content covered in the self-paced eLearning program and to consolidate the application of this content with the development of practical skills in a group environment.
Mental Health First Aid Refresher Course
Refresher courses allow people who have previously completed a Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills. For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, refresher courses offer an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further three years.
The content of the MHFA refresher course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals who work in the field of Mental Illness. Sessions are conducted face-to-face.
Benefits from the session include:
- Refresh knowledge of common mental problems including presenting signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety and substance use disorder
- Learn the 3 key actions for helping someone in crisis
- Work through complex mental health first aid interactions
- Practice mental health first aid conversation skills
- Review resources available to support people experiencing mental health problems
Duration: 4 hours
Participants: We recommend 8-20 participants per session. There is no pre-learning or pre-reading required.
When will you start the mental health conversation in your workplace?
Mental Health Courses Locations
If you are interested in running a Mental Health First Aid course for your employees, Bodycare can tailor a program to suit your organisation’s needs. To register your interest, click the button below.
Contact us now to learn more about our Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
South Melbourne, VIC 3205
In the spirit of reconciliation Bodycare acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.