Mental Health First Aid Course

Learn how to provide effective mental health first aid with our communication short courses in Sydney!

This accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course will give you the confidence and skills to support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis — whether it's a friend, colleague, or family member.

One in five Australians experiences a mental health problem each year, yet many people feel unsure how to offer support. This course helps you recognise the signs of common mental health conditions and equips you with practical tools to approach someone, start a safe conversation, and guide them towards professional help.

Developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, this evidence-based training empowers everyday adults to respond effectively and reduce stigma in their communities. You'll learn how to offer first aid support for depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, and substance use, and how to assist in crisis situations using the MHFA action plan.

Upon completion, you can choose to take a short online assessment to become an accredited Mental Health First Aider, recognised nationwide. Accreditations are valid for 3 years.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Mental Health First Aid course, it is intended that you will be able to:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults
• Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation
• Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these
• Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support
• Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available
• Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider

Course content

What will be covered in this Mental Health First Aid course?

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Panic attacks
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Traumatic events

Intended audience

Who is this Mental Health First Aid course for?

This course is suitable for any adult who wants to confidently support someone experiencing mental health challenges — whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community. No prior training is required.

Many workplaces now value trained Mental Health First Aiders as part of creating a mentally healthy environment.

Note: This course is not suitable for those under 18 and is not a therapy group.

Course venue

Blended Online -  Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour videoconferencing sessions

Course materials

Please bring to class

• Pen and paper or tablet for note-taking

Materials provided

• Digital handouts covering course content

Additional information

Please note: 

While this is not a therapeutic course, the facilitator is trained to support participants if any material causes distress