Standard
Mental Health First Aid Course 

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course is for any interested adult. 

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You will learn how to assist an adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan.

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This course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals.

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This course has been widely evaluated in research trials conducted by MHFA Australia and independent organisations. These evaluations consistently show that participants who complete the course have improved knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, knowledge of appropriate first aid strategies, and confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness, benefits which are maintained over time. Some studies have also shown improved mental health in those who attend the training, as well as decreasing stigmatising attitudes and increases in the amount and type of support provided to others.

Learning Objectives: 

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches people (18 years and over) how to offer initial support to adults who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves. The course curriculum is evidence-based, as informed by the MHFA Guidelines.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Developing mental health problems covered are:

Depression

Anxiety problems

Psychosis

Substance use problems

Mental health crisis situations covered are:

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)

Panic attacks

Traumatic events

Severe effects of drug or alcohol use

Severe psychotic states

Aggressive behaviours

Course Prerequisites: 

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. 

Clothing:

We suggest that you wear comfortable casual clothing. Pants and flat shoes are recommended.

Course Details: 

This 12-hour course is delivered as a 2-day training package (6 hours per day).

The course can also be delivered over 4, 3 hour sessions.

Course participants receive a copy of the Standard MHFA Manual to keep and a Certificate of Completion.

Certificate Validity: 

Mental Health First Aid certificate is valid for three (3) years from the completion date. 

Mental Health First Aid Australia recommends that  skills are refreshed triennually.