Standard Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to recognise, respond and support someone experiencing a mental health problem.
The Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course equips adults with the practical skills to support someone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing condition, or approaching a mental health crisis. Delivered by accredited MHFA instructors at First Aid and Fire, this course follows the evidence-based training developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Standard MHFA is one of Australia’s most widely recognised mental health training programs and is suitable for workplaces, community organisations, frontline teams, and any adult wanting to build confidence in supporting others.
Course Overview
This 2-day (or online blended versions) course teaches participants how to:
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Recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems
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Approach and support someone using the ALGEE Action Plan
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Have safe and effective conversations about mental health
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Respond to crisis situations such as panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or severe distress
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Encourage professional help and ongoing support options
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Reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy in the workplace and community
Standard MHFA does not teach participants to diagnose, counsel or provide therapy. Instead, it provides a structured, evidence-based framework for offering initial support until professional help is available.
What you will learn
Understanding Mental Health Problems
Participants gain foundational knowledge of:
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Depression and anxiety disorders
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Psychosis
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Substance use problems
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Traumatic events and stress reactions
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How these conditions commonly present in adults
Crisis Response Skills
Learn how to respond safely and appropriately to:
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Panic attacks
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Severe distress or agitation
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Psychotic episodes
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Substance intoxication
Improving Workplace Confidence & Culture
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Reducing stigma
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Encouraging early help-seeking
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Supporting colleagues with empathy and boundaries
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Building psychologically safe teams
The ALGEE Action Plan
A step-by-step, internationally recognised framework that guides safe and supportive conversations.teams
Certification
Upon completing the course and accreditation assessment, participants receive:
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MHFA Accreditation (valid for 3 years)
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Digital certificate issued by MHFA Australia
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Access to refresher training to extend accreditation
Who Should Attend?
Standard MHFA is ideal for:
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Managers, supervisors and workplace leaders
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HR teams and wellbeing coordinators
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Community organisations and volunteers
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Customer-facing staff
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Health and emergency service providers
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FIFO, construction, and high-stress work environments
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Any adult wanting to support family, friends, or colleagues
No prior mental health knowledge is required.
Course Format
You can complete Standard MHFA in one of three ways:
In Person Face-to-Face
Interactive, scenario-based learning delivered onsite or at our training venues.
Blended Online
Self-paced eLearning plus 2 live online sessions with an accredited MHFA instructor.
Blended Face-to-Face
Self-paced eLearning plus a live 4-hour session with an accredited MHFA instructor.
- Standard Mental Health First Aid 2 DaysThu, 20 NovGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Standard Mental Health First Aid 2 DaysMon, 15 SeptGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Standard Mental Health First Aid 2 DaysMon, 21 JulyGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Standard Mental Health First Aid 2 DaysMon, 19 MayGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - November 2024Thu, 28 NovTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA Community Online September 3rd 2024Tue, 03 SeptZoom Meeting
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - August 2024Thu, 08 AugTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - June 2024Thu, 27 JuneTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA Community Online May 6th 2024Mon, 06 MayZoom Meeting
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - February 2024Thu, 22 FebTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - January 2024Thu, 11 JanTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - October 2023Thu, 19 OctTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - September 2023Thu, 07 SeptTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - July 2023Thu, 20 JulyTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - June 2023Thu, 01 JuneTingalpa - Device Technologies
- SMHFA 2 Days West End - AprilThu, 27 AprCollective Well Being Hub
- SMHFA 2 Days West End - MarchThu, 16 MarCollective Well Being Hub
- SMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - March 2023Mon, 06 MarTingalpa - Device Technologies
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.
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.
Standard Mental Health First Aid courses delivered in blended formats include some eLearning materials tailored to either workplaces or community settings. Participants can select their preferred setting when organising Blended Online or Blended Face-to-Face delivery of this course.
This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.