What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised, evidence-based training program developed by MHFA Australia. It teaches participants how to recognise the signs of mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and guide someone toward professional support — giving you the skills to notice when something's wrong and know what to do before it becomes a crisis.
Just as physical first aid doesn't make you a doctor, MHFA doesn't make you a therapist. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to act when someone around you is struggling — before a crisis escalates, and sometimes when it already has.
MHFA is evidence-based and continuously updated. It's the most widely recognised mental health literacy program in Australia and beyond — and for good reason.
Who It's For
MHFA training is for anyone who wants to know how to help when a colleague, family member, or friend is struggling — you don't need to be a professional to make a difference. It's also relevant to any workplace or organisation that takes the wellbeing of its people seriously. It's particularly valuable for:
- HR managers and people leaders — who are often the first point of contact when someone is struggling, whether they realise it or not
- Team leaders and supervisors — who set the tone for how mental health is discussed and supported in their teams
- Health and community workers — who encounter mental health challenges daily and need a structured response framework
- Schools, faith communities, and volunteer organisations — where people turn to trusted figures in moments of distress
- Any organisation committed to genuine wellbeing — not just policy on paper, but practical skills that make a real difference
No mental health background needed. MHFA is designed for people who want to know what to do when someone around them is struggling.
What Participants Learn
The course covers the common mental health challenges people experience and provides a practical, memorable framework for responding. By the end of training, participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use — not just in crisis, but in the earlier stages when support is most effective
- Apply the MHFA 5-step action plan (ALGEE) — a structured, evidence-based approach to responding with confidence
- Approach someone in distress — start a supportive conversation without causing harm or making assumptions
- Direct to professional help — know when and how to connect someone with appropriate support services
- Reduce stigma — understand mental health challenges as common, treatable, and not something to be ashamed of
This isn't about diagnosing. It's about noticing, caring enough to act, and knowing what to do next.
Why Book with Me
There are plenty of MHFA courses available. Here's what's different about training with me:
- Clinical depth behind every session — 18+ years of direct counselling practice means when participants ask questions that go beyond the manual, I can answer from experience, not theory alone
- Honest and practical — no corporate gloss, no side-stepping. I give real, practical responses that respect the intelligence of the room
- Training that sticks — participants leave not just informed, but genuinely more confident in their ability to respond
Courses are for up to 20 participants and delivered in person across Melbourne and Australia.
Courses Available
Standard MHFA Course
The full 12-hour course, available in face-to-face or blended delivery format. This is the comprehensive program — the one that gives participants the deepest understanding and most thorough preparation.
- Duration: 12 hours (typically delivered over two days)
- Format: Face-to-face or blended (online self-paced learning + in-person session)
- Best for: Organisations that want thorough, lasting training for their people
MHFA Lite
A shorter, focused awareness session designed to introduce mental health literacy and basic response skills. Not a substitute for the Standard course, but a strong starting point — particularly for larger groups or organisations building toward full training.
- Duration: Shorter awareness session
- Format: Face-to-face
- Best for: organisations wanting a meaningful first step, conferences, or large-group introductions
Refresher Courses
For those who've completed the Standard MHFA course and want to keep their knowledge and skills current. MHFA Australia recommends a refresher every three years.
- Duration: Shorter format
- Format: Face-to-face
- Best for: Previous participants due for renewal, or organisations maintaining an ongoing commitment to mental health literacy